More information : (TL 709062). A fragment of a building excavated in 1849 by F Chancellor, was part of a bath house, probably built before 50-60 AD and destroyed about 55-70 AD. (Subsidiary of Caesaromagus being part of the "mansio" building). (1-2)
(TL 70880620 centred from plan). The Mansio (temporary accommodation for travelling dignitaries) was a rectangular building 80m x 40m with an internal courtyard and attached baths and laconicum to the east.
A timber mansio was erected cAD 120-125 incorporating a pre-exisiting bath block, with laconicum to the east. The timber phase was replaced cAD 130 with a masonry structure on virtually the same plan. Major building alterations and repairs took place cAD 150 and, after a fire in the Antonine period, in the Mid-to late third century. The mansio continued in use throughout the fourth century after which the site was extensively robbed and then probably returned to agricultural use. Excavations in 1985 added to the known plan of the building (see illlustration card). A burial ground surface predating the mansio produced mesolithic - early Neolithic worked flints, prehistoric pottery, and early Roman Samian and grog tempered wares. (3)
Roman cockerel found on the site of the mansio. (4)
Pottery report. (5)
Additional references. (6-9) |