More information : (SU 1007 6837) ROMAN WELL (R) (1)
Two wells and two refuse-pits south of Silbury Hill opened and proved to be Roman. There is confusing and conflicting evidence as to the siting of the wells. Although there are other wells within the area which have not been opened there appears to be no evidence to support the siting of the ROMAN WELL published on OS 6" (Rev ONB adds nothing). The various sitings are described as follows:- A (SU 1016 6838) (3) 150 yds SSW of Silbury Hill, between Roman road and present highway. 40 yds W of River Kennett. About 50 yds E of well (B) (3). B (SU 1000 6835) (3) Immediately opposite Silbury Hill, about 105 yds from the hedge on the south side of the Bath road, and about 70 yds W of the Bourne or Kennett and the row of trees (4). Well A was opened by Brooke and Cunnington (B H) in 1896, who discovered a bronze finger-ring, bronze steelyard, Romano-British grey ware, small iron stylus, coins of Arcadius and Theodosius 11 and the handles of three massive pitchers. Well B, probably that opened in 1882-3 by W & H Cunnington apparently without result, and by Brooke in 1908, who discovered thirty-three coins ranging from Trajan to Valentinian 1, roofing tiles, Samian and other wares. Refuse-pit E (SU 1018 6829), cleared by A C Smith in 1867, contained three bronze coins (one of Valentinian 1 and one of Constans 1), Romano-British pottery including Samian and Castor ware, parts of three mortaria and an iron stylus. Refuse-pit F (SU 1011 6821) was opened by Brooke prior to 1888. The finds from the wells, some formerly in the J W Brooke collection, the stylus from the refuse-pit, together with coins of Magnentius and Constantine and 'sacred money of Antioch', uncertain from which well, are in Devizes Museum. (2-5)
No further information: none of the wells are traceable on the ground. (6)
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