Friday 11 May 2012

Ingleby Barwick’s Roman Villa (NZ435150)


In the NW corner of the newly-developed area of Ingleby Barwick lies an expanse of open ground. Beneath the same – and spread liberally under the surrounding houses – are the remains of the most northerly villa of the Roman Empire.

A few years ago, planners gave the nod for expansive housing construction in the open fields to the south and west of the original village. However, before the bulldozers moved in some tentative archaeological investigations were carried out – and they made the amazing discovery. Furthermore, they found a good deal more historical stuff under the surface going back to prehistoric times.

What was eventually termed a ‘Romano-British villa’ was unearthed near to what used to be Quarry Farm. It all happened during 2003-04, and such structures as a heated room, aisled building and field enclosures were laid bare for a short time – until the construction workers returned.

The best bit – a winged corridor structure – was, however, left buried, and a decision made to build around it. The said remains lie under the eastern extremity of the grassed area. The complex is thought to date from c.100-150AD, and may have remained in use until as late as c.450AD.

Further info here.


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