The discovery includes a bathhouse
Posted on 02/08/2020 11:27:36 AM PST by SunkenCiv
A campaign has been launched to protect the remains of a Roman villa unearthed during work on a new housing estate.
The villa was discovered in Cam, Gloucestershire, by archaeologists working on behalf of Bovis Homes.
BBC TV presenter and archaeology expert Professor Mark Horton is among those calling for it to be saved, describing it as "a very important discovery".
But the developer says archaeologists have told them the villa does not qualify for preservation.
Resident Christie McLean has started a petition to help save the villa, which had over 2,000 signatures within a day of launching.
She said there was a "mix of anger and frustration" that the villa could be built on...
Fellow resident Jill Davis said there was a huge amount of interest locally.
"As far as we know it is the only Roman villa in Cam or Dursley," she said. "We just can't believe that it was here and nobody knew about it."
Royal Agricultural University archaeologist Prof Horton said: "Local community interest and action is critical if this site is going to be saved.
"There is absolutely no reason why it can't be, with a little sensible redesign.
"While villas are quite common in these parts, the preservation is exceptional."
However, a statement from Bovis Homes said archaeologists who examined the villa told them it doesn't qualify for preservation.
"It is not unusual to uncover foundations or remnants of buildings," the statement said.
"We will encourage them (the archaeologists) to share their findings with the local community once work is complete."
(Excerpt) Read more at bbc.com ...
Roman villa in the Cotswolds, they knew how to live, eh?
Unrelated sidebar:
Mass grave of 42 bodies, some with hands tied behind their backs, found on former farmland
Ellen Manning
Yahoo News UK
Feb 6, 2020, 5:00 AM
https://sports.yahoo.com/remains-bodies-found-new-development-farmland-100000830.html
Having viewed a score or more of Roman villa/bath house excavations on BBC4’s Time Team, this one is much more intact that the majority of those done by the Time Team crew. I hope it is preserved. Time Teams greatest discoveries — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RwpnQ4dWtk
Just leave a space for it and build the development around it.
“There is absolutely no reason why it can’t be, with a little sensible redesign.“
Will Professor Horton be paying for it from his own pocket?
I thought not.
L
No, the cost would be borne by the buyers, which is entirely consistent with the way all construction projects are carried out, other than in hellholes like China or Turkey. Based on what's available about the builder, I'd be surprised if they'll be able to sell the homes anyway.
:^) Yeah, I think it may be. ;^)
Had an amazing visit here:
Chedworth
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/chedworth-roman-villa
One of the coolest things about the place is the drive there along winding, sunken, one-lane roads best taken about as fast as you can go without the wifey screaming even louder. So much fun!
:^) Sounds like a fun trip!
http://www.photographers-resource.co.uk/A_heritage/Roman/LG/Chedworth.htm
http://www.photographers-resource.co.uk/images/A_heritage/roman/chedworth/H3110807002_017.jpg
There was a prog rock band in the early 1970s, “Public Foot the Roman”, which took its name from a worn off sign “Public Footpath to the Roman Fort” that was near where some of the members lived.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCHFfYzYzl8
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