During routine archaeological excavations at a development site on Somerton Road in Langport, Somerset, a Roman villa alongside a Bronze Age roundhouse has been uncovered, shedding new light on the area’s rich historical heritage.
The 0.58-hectare site has been under investigation since January 2025, preceding the construction of up to 100 affordable homes by housing provider Abri. Early findings include post holes from a single roundhouse dating back to the later Bronze Age or early Iron Age, offering valuable insight into prehistoric life in Somerset.
The centerpiece of the discovery is a Roman villa dating from the late 1st to the 3rd century AD. This six-roomed structure, complete with a corridor, reveals advanced features such as rainwater collection systems and a drainage network. Archaeologists believe the villa was integral to a larger farming estate, with nearby structures including a corn dryer, barn, and numerous grain storage pits. These findings illustrate the site’s dual role as both a residence and a hub for agricultural processing.
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To engage the community, an open day is scheduled for Sunday, August 31, from 10:00 am to 3:30 pm. Visitors can participate in guided tours of the villa, explore informative poster displays, and view artefacts recovered during excavation. Archaeological experts will be available to contextualize the discoveries within Langport’s broader history.
Gavin Webster, Senior Land Manager at Abri, commented, “These findings highlight Somerset’s layered past. Each artefact enriches our historical record and helps ensure we responsibly preserve heritage while advancing the delivery of much-needed affordable housing.”
The excavation is being conducted by TVAS (South West) in Taunton, overseen by Armour Heritage Ltd in Frome, with funding from Abri. A comprehensive post-excavation report will be published to document all findings. Such archaeological investigations are standard procedure before development, ensuring history is recorded and safeguarded.
Sue Farr, Director at Armour Heritage, added, “This project exemplifies the successful collaboration between developers, local authorities, and archaeologists. Integrating heritage safeguards into development plans allows vital discoveries like the Langport villa to be properly studied and shared, deepening our collective understanding of local history.”