The Roman Villa in Chedworth, England
Ancient Mosaics and Roman Baths Hidden for 1700 Years
Jul 14, 2009
The Cotswold country of Gloucestershire has much more to offer than charming villages, B & B's and cream teas on lace-covered tables. The Cotswolds were once heavily occupied by wealthy Romans and many of their unearthed villas are open to the public. Evidence of Roman occupation is being revealed every day in places like Great Witcombe, Chedworth and at least thirty other sites.
The Village of Chedworth, Gloucestershire
Chedworth is a charming old village set in the hills surrounding a small stream which flows into the River Coln. Typically English, the homes are built of warm Cotswold stone. A lovely walk can be had along the 2 mile stretch of this picturesque village. Here, is a 13th century Norman church with some unusual architectural details and just outside the village is the Chedworth Roman Villa discovered in the earth in 1864.
The Discovery of the Chedworth Roman Villa
There have been several discoveries of Roman Villas in Gloucestershire, but the Chedworth Roman Villa has always been a very important find. The recorded discovery is that in 1864, in a forested area outside the village of Chedworth, a gamekeeper was poking through the soil in search of a ferret when the earth gave up small shards of pottery and fragments of mosaic tiles.
Field work lasted only a year after the discovery and for the next 90 years most of the ruin lay hidden beneath the earth. In 1954, excavation was taken up again under various field directors from that year on. Numerous archaeological artifacts have been found, studied and removed to the Chedworth Roman Villa Museum.
In 1924 the ruin was placed in the hands of the National Trust. The National Trust's mandate is to ensure historic and ancient monuments, ruins, archaeological remains, architecture, villages, lands and gardens are preserved and cared for under the administration's guidance. All National Trust properties are open to the public.
The Villa
The archaeologists who have worked in Chedworth since the ruin's discovery have had an ongoing job. After the first find of a few pieces of mosaic, much has been found. The site is now among the largest Roman ruins in this area of England. Historians are now able to date the ruin from the 2nd to 5th century with recent evidence now revealing human activity after the Romans left Britain. There is also some Iron Age evidence.
Historians have learned that the estate was set in a compound with separate buildings surrounding a bath house. A fire struck two wings of the villa some time in the 3rd century, but they were rebuilt and at or around the same period, the Bath House was enlarged.
By the time the Romans left England, the house had grown. It had been given a veranda and a courtyard garden. A wing to another bath house had been built, and a stunning mosaic floor was added to the dining area.
The mosaics alone make Chedworth worth seeing. There are several left as found within the ruin. Some are fragmented, but others are in remarkably good condition. There is one work stunningly crafted to represent Spring, Summer and Winter. What began as few small buildings grew into an elegant villa, built for comfort with an underfloor heating system, fine craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Recent Chedworth Finds
In 1995, geophysical surveys revealed a circular shadow in the courtyard garden. It was not excavated at this time, but thought to be a well or fountain. In this same year, the survey revealed sheep pens as well as the main pathway to the villa.
Excavations from 1996 to 1997 were made beyond the south wall of the Bath House and a floor of mortared gravel, known as opus signium was revealed. In this same area a furnace chamber was discovered and pewter cup dating to the 4th century was found. There were further unveilings recorded up to 2005 including a portico in the villas' south wing.
By this time the archaeologists believed there was Roman activity here before the huge onslaught of Roman occupation and there was activity for some time after the Romans left Britain. In 1998 - 2000, excavations were made to the north and south wing of the villa. A grain dryer and pottery was revealed and dated to the late 4th century and into the early 5th century.
In 2001, evidence of Pre-Roman activity was unearthed. Excavations to the lower courtyard revealed a child's burial, covered in opus signium flooring. It is believed to be the first evidence in the Chedworth site of pre-Roman activity dating to the Iron Age.
More Roman Ruins of Gloucestershire
Travelers with an interest in the Roman occupation of the Cotswolds, may want to visit other sites.
The Great Witcombe Roman Villa is located on a hillside 5 miles south-east of Gloucester. It is also a large villa of the same period. Excavations began here in 1960, revealing a large bath house believed to be a water spirit shrine. The site is preserved by English Heritage.
Kings Weston Roman Villa is near Bristol. It was discovered in 1947 during the development of a housing site known as Lawrence Weston. A mosaic floor was revealed and beneath the floor was the remains of a man with the approximate age of 50. Two other human remains were found nearby. Foundation burials were not uncommon in these periods.
Visiting Chedworth Village and Ruins
The village of Chedworth is located 7 miles from Cirencester. It is a busy village for it's size and a very pretty place to enjoy a walk and a cream tea. Hotels in the area range in price from £25 up to £170. But visitor's will also find Bed and Breakfast accommodation.
The Chedworth Roman Villa is in Yanworth, set with a beautiful wooded area. It is open for visitors 6 days a week from 10 AM to 4 PM and is closed on Mondays. It is open from early March to the middle of November.
References
Online
National Trust Chedworth Roman Villa
The Shell Guide to England, John Hadfield, Michael Joseph, 1970, pg 565
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