More information : (SE 49768198) A Roman sandstone coffin 7ft long, 24 ins
high and 28 ins wide its lid broken into two fragments and found
by J Brown during ploughing on Hood Grange Farm in 1956. One long
side of the coffin and lid was inscribed:
D(is) M(anibus)
COSC(oniae) MAMMIOLAE CONI(ugi) PIISSIM(ae)
AVR(elius) SERENVS
The very fragmentary skeletal remains were examined and considered
by Prof R.Warwick to belong to two adult males - undoubtedly
secondary burials; "a fact supported by the concealment in the ground
of the primary text". No grave goods or other finds were found.
Three RB pottery sherds were seen near the coffin, one just below
the bottom of the lid being colour-coated ware, dating the secondary
burials to probably the 3rd or 4th century.
Brown discovered other 'large stones' in the same field which
possibly represent other coffins. Some 12-20 ft N of the excavated
coffin, Wenham uncovered at a depth of about 9 ins a small trench
of cobbled and gravel metalling, possibly part of a road. Crop-marks
50 yards E of the coffin indicated the presence of a large building
- possible a villa (a). Coffin now in Yorks Museum. (1)
Crop marks mentioned in Authy 2 not visible. (2)
A parched area is visible at SE 49768200, on APs. (3)
Mr Brown, the farmer, confirms the positions of earlier finds,
and reports that during ploughing, he has bumped into further large
stones which he suggests as "other coffins", in an area up to 60
yards W of the original find. A circular quern, about 15 ins diam,
was also found in the area of the original find.
During plouging, Brown also reports bumping into stone footings
in the area of the supposed building. A light scatter of unidentified
sherds is also reported as "coming up in the plough", but were
not available for examination. When perambulated the field was under
stubble. The indicated site of the 'building'(?), visible on OS
APs(3) at SE 49808198 is on a level area, and the field slopes
gently downwards to the N.
Little evidence was visible on the surface except for a heavy
scatter of small boulders and pebbles. Sherds found during
perambulation were confined to two fragments of Samian ware and one
russet coarse rim sherd some 50.0m to the north-east of the AP
marking. No Roman building debris was identified, and without further
substantial evidence the presence of a villa - or indeed any Roman
building of substance, is open to question. The coffin is held by
York Museum; Mrs Hartley (Keeper Roman antiquities) knows nothing
of the other finds and has an open mind regarding a possible
building. (4)
NK 13 Possible site of a villa indicated by foundations, cobbling and parchmarks showing a large building. (5) |