More information : The Wroxeter Roman aqueduct has its source at a point
where Bell Brook narrows 3/4 mile from the town defences. A dam would
have been constructed at this point, but no remains can now be traced
although Dr Pocock claims to have observed "the breached remnants
of an earthen dam". The aqueduct has been largely filled in and
obliterated by ploughing although it is extant between SJ 57490855 andSJ 57000867. The remainder of the course is visible on air photographsas a cropmark. Sections excavated have shown that the channel was
about 8 feet wide at the top and about 3 feet deep. It is suggested
that the ditches investigated by Miss K Kenyon (see SJ 50 NE 12)
inside the town defences in the "north-west" part of the town
probably represents the line of the aqueduct inside the city. The
water was then channelled alongside the north-south road to the
baths. (1-3)
The section referred to inside the town is presumably that in the
north-east quadrant rather than the north-west. It would appear
unlikely that this ditch was part of the aqueduct as the water
would have had to flow uphill from the junction with the road
(SJ 56600897) to the baths complex. (4)
Perambulation of the course of the Roman aqueduct from its course
to the town defences revealed no extant remains for the first three
or four metres above the bank of the Bell Brook at SJ 58010915.
Mr J Teece, Farm Manager of Beslow Farm, stated that much of the
aqueduct had been levelled during the last war.
The 'breached remnants of an earthen dam', referred to by Dr. Pocock,
(a) applies to a dam erected, according to Mr Teece, about 50 years
ago. The breached remains still stand on the north bank of the
brook, immediately above the extant commencement of the aqueduct
and must therefore be practically on the site of the Roman dam.
There is nothing to suggest that the present dam incorporates any
remains of the Roman dam, but the site, at a narrow point on the
brook, would be very suitable.
At SJ 569508600, after passing through the town defences the
aqueduct was able to pass through a col in the ridge immediately
behind the defences at this point, and then follow a gentle downhill
course to the baths complex. (5)
Documented. (6) |