Groundwell Ridge Roman Villa, Swindon: Excavations 2003-2005
Author(s): David Dungworth, Paul Linford, Neil Linford, Louise Martin, Sarah Jennings, Pete Wilson, Nicola Hembrey, Andy Hammon, Hamilton, Richard Brickstock, Kayt Brown, Gill Campbell, Phil Harding, Bob Hill, Geoff Morley, Jane Timby
Key conclusions from the project are that: the main structures on the site represent the domestic elements of a villa complex, the stone buildings being occupied from the second to the late fourth or early fifth century; there is artefactual evidence for pre-Roman occupation; there is limited evidence for first-century Roman occupation; Building 2 incorporates a bath suite; the area of Building 2 was reused in the post-Roman period as the site of a major post-built timber building. The survival of key deposits of Roman-period waterlogged deposits was demonstrated in the area below the spring line in the north-eastern part of the scheduled area. 303 boxes of artefacts were collected during the three seasons’ work, among them 1841 small finds. Structural assemblages of ceramic building material, opus signinum, tesserae and stone came from roof, floor and under-floor; pipework is evidenced in lead and wood (iron junction collars to hold wooden pipes were collected). Mortar, painted plaster, lead cames and glass came from walls and windows; structural ironwork – much of it possibly mid-first century – came from internal features. Domestic life is reflected in assemblages of pottery, iron tools and implements, and stone whetstones; eating habits are evidenced in the collections of shell and animal bone. Coins, gaming counters and a small lead plaque of Isis give flashes of the people inhabiting the site; literacy is hinted at by the presence of an iron stylus and possible wooden writing tablets. Their personal adornment includes brooches, bracelets, hairpins, a finger ring and many glass beads.
- Report Number:
- 77/2006
- Series:
- Research Department Reports
- Pages:
- 12
- Keywords:
- Animal Bone Ceramic Copper Alloy Early Medieval Excavation Flint Geophysical Survey Glass Iron Lead Mollusca Mortar Plant Remains Plaster Post Medieval Pottery Prehistoric Roman Stone
