| Summary : Sites of two Roman villas located about 300 yards apart. The published accounts do not permit a clear separation into two sites. One was of winged corridor type. The western building had a probable bath suite. A portion of tessellated pavement featuring an animal, possibly a hare, was taken to Longleat House. In 1951 it could not be located. Other finds include roofing tiles, painted wall plaster, brick flues, pottery, a coin, and 2 inhumations. |
More information : [ST 90074337 and ST 90344324] ROMAN BUILDING [GSC] (Site of)
ROMAN VILLA [GSC] (Site of) (1)
Sites of 2 (?) Villas, about 300 yds apart at Pit Meads. Published
accounts (1785-1821) do not permit separation into two sites. One was
of winged corridor type (plan in Ancient Wilts II, Roman Area, 115).
That at the West had a probable bath suite. A portion of pavement
with design of hare was taken to Longleat where it now (1951) cannot
be found: the rest was destroyed. Finds include hexagonal roofing
tiles with nails in position, painted wall plaster, brick flues,
red, blue and cream coloured pottery, and a coin of Claudius Gothicus.One of the villas contained 2 human skeletons; one was extended, the
other as if the roof had fallen upon it. (2-6)
No intelligible remains of either building can be seen though both
sites, the eastern pasture, the western wooded, show signs of
disturbance, probably the result of the early excavations. A few RB
sherds can be found by the roots of the trees. (7)
No change; report of 19.3.63. correct. (8)
The mosaic is probably of the Cornian school with Orpheus placed within a central medallion with birds and animals within the surrounding zones. All that survived of were the hind legs of one animal near the perimenter of the outer circle. (9)
Both villa sites included within gazetteer. (10)
Discussion of mosaic. (11) |