| Summary : Site of a Roman courtyard villa discovered in 1859, in all about 230ft by 240ft. Principal block on north side with hypocausts, geometric mosaics, etc. Baths at S end of E wing, well in middle of courtyard. Two small uninscribed house-altars were found. One coin of Septimus Serverus, the remainder Constantinian, possibly indicating the date of the main phase of the villa. In successive phases of building there appears to have been at least one aisled building in the same position relative to a winged corridor house at Ikleton. The villa combines a dwelling house with an aisled house. |
More information : [TL 02639493] Roman Villa [G.S.]
(Remains of) [T.I.] (1)
A courtyard villa, in all about 230ft by 240ft. Principal block on north side with hypocausts, geometric mosaics, etc. Baths at S end of E wing, well in middle of courtyard. Finds include part of a stone column, Collyweston roof slates, flue and other tiles; Samian, Castor and other pottery, glass, a lead weight, animal bones etc, and two small uninscribed "house-altars". One coin of Septimus Serverus, the remainder Constantinian. It was discovered in 1859 at Apethorpe in the park close to the Willow Brook. (2-3)
A substantial building erected over the principal block of this (shown on OS 25" plan) has been entered and the pavement and hypocaust destroyed by vandalism; there has also been much haphazard digging of the site and a wide scatter of roofing tiles, fragmentary pottery, brick and general debris is evident. There are no surveyable remains. (4)
The building noted in the report of 1962 has now been demolished and removed, subsequently cattle have ranged the site; only a thin scatter of Roman tile and brick can now be traced in the pasture. (5)
RCHM suggests further buildings must survive. Recommends that site is specially worthy of preservation. (6)
Roman Villa (TL 02639493). Contemporary accounts of the excavation were published in 1859. (7)
Included in a list and map of unit system villas. In successive phases of building there appears to have been at least one aisled building in the same position relative to a winged corridor house at Ikleton. The villa combines a dwelling house with an aisled house. (8)
A photographic copy of a manuscript plan of the villa, dated 4th May 1859, was made by RCHME in August 1997 (original held in the private collection of Hugh Richmond; NMR negative number BB97/7757). (9)
NH 3 Listed as the site of a Roman villa. (10)
It is evident that the area surrounding Apethorpe Hall retains many features of historical significance and there is good evidence for a complex multi-period pattern of medieval settlement and land use. The earliest fragments of this include the site of a substantial Roman villa and hints of an attendant field system. (11)
Paper written in 1859 discussing the villa and it's setting. (12)
Pollen Analysis from the area around the site of the Roman villa. (13) |