What did the Romans do for us? Archaeologists working on the site of a Roman settlement at Groundwell Ridge in North Swindon hope that further excavations later this year will unearth more secrets and provide a greater insight into Wiltshire life more than a thousand-years-ago.
Dr Pete Wilson, from English Heritage, will review recent work and future plans for the site at a special talk, 'Romans revealed', at Swindon Museum & Art Gallery on Friday 20 February at 7.30 pm.
The remains of Roman buildings, thought to date between the 2nd and 4th Centuries AD, were first discovered in 1996, during construction of housing at the Abbey Meads development. Roman pottery and silver has also been found at the site, including a silver bowl which is on display at Swindon Museum & Art Gallery.
In his talk Dr Wilson, Senior Archaeologist at the Centre for Archaeology in Portsmouth, will recap on studies carried out in 2003 on parts of the site earmarked for cycleways and footpaths.
Interestingly, says Dr Wilson, the most surprising discovery was not of Roman origin, but a 16th or 17th Century stone-built water channel, part of which contained running water, along with post-medieval pottery and a 16th Century glass button.
"The project in 2004 will involve volunteers working alongside professional archaeologists. There are also plans for displays and site tours so people not directly involved in the project can keep up with emerging results," he adds.
Dr Wilson's talk, 'Romans revealed', is the second in a special series of evening talks for 2004 organised by the Friends of Swindon Museum & Art Gallery embracing archaeology, art, and social history in Swindon and Wiltshire.
Tickets are 4 (3 for members of the Friends of Swindon Museum & Art Gallery, full-time students and groups (minimum 10 people). For further details and booking contact Swindon Museum & Art Gallery, Bath Road, Old Town, Swindon. Tel. 01793 466556. Booking is advised as numbers are limited.