Archaeologists and community volunteers have uncovered the remains of a high-status Roman villa in the Chalke Valley, Wiltshire, England, marking a first-of-its-kind finding in the region.

A volunteer recording the Hypocaust system uncovered at the site. Credit: Teffont Archaeology

The discovery began with local metal detectorists reporting Roman artifacts to the Portable Antiquities Scheme at Salisbury Museum. Their findings prompted a two-week excavation in October, led by Teffont Archaeology in partnership with Cardiff University, and funded by the National Heritage Lottery Fund through the Chase and Chalke Landscape Partnership Scheme.

The centerpiece of the site is a Roman villa complex over 35 meters in length, surrounded by additional structures including a large bathhouse, a multi-story barn, and a concrete-floored building possibly used as an outdoor pool. The villa, likely the hub of a vast agricultural estate, was adorned with high-quality mosaics featuring intricate geometric designs, as well as painted wall plaster and columns. These elements underscore the affluence of the villa’s inhabitants.

Dr. David Roberts, a senior lecturer in Roman archaeology at Cardiff University and co-director of the project, remarked, “We’re delighted to have discovered the first-known Roman villa in this part of south Wiltshire while working with our local volunteers. The site was likely the center of a significant estate in the later Roman period, and its owners must have extracted a great deal of labor and surplus from the local farming communities to fund their luxury lifestyle.”

Rectified pH๏τo of Roman mosaics. Credit: Teffont Archaeology

Dr. Denise Wilding of Teffont Archaeology, another co-director, said, “The high-status objects from the site, particularly furnishings such as the painted wall plaster and columns, demonstrate the wealth and power of those living here. These artifacts are especially significant due to the lack of recent excavations of high-status sites in this area. We’re very grateful to the landowners for allowing the excavation on their land.”

The excavation involved more than 60 volunteers, offering a hands-on experience in archaeology and a connection to local heritage. The archaeological team will now focus on analyzing the artifacts and site data, with plans to host local talks next year to share their findings.

More information: Cardiff University / Teffont Archaeology