ARCHAEOLOGISTS investigating the site of a "remarkable" Roman villa in Rossett have unearthed a coin from that period.

The dig is taking place on private farm land near the village, after the discovery of some Roman artefacts nearby led archaeologists to suspect that they may unearth an historically significant site.

These artefacts included the Rossett Pig, which is a rare lead ingot from the Roman era, which was discovered by metal detectorist Rob Jones from Coedpoeth.

The dig is being conducted jointly by the University of Chester, Wrexham Museum and Archaeology Survey West, and will continue until September 25.

Rossett's Roman villa, which is thought to be around two thousand years old, is the first of its kind to have been discovered in north east Wales and archaeologists are excited to unearth more information about the nature of Roman settlement in this area.

It is thought to date from the early first century to the mid fourth century, judging by the artefacts discovered so far. This was the majority of the period of Roman occupation in Britain.

Dr Caroline Pudney, a lecturer in archaeology from the University of Chester, is one of the dig leaders. She said that she was excited to begin to see the remains of the Roman villa as the dig began last week, including fragments of pottery, bone and stone and the original Roman walls.

Roman emperor

She shared a photo of one of the latest discoveries from the site via Wrexham Council's Twitter account, with the coin appearing to bear the image of a Roman emperor.

Volunteers from the University of Chester have also been on site on Tuesday, September 7, to help with the excavation, with the team hoping to unearth even more pieces of history ahead of an open day on site on Saturday, September 18.

The Leader: Volunteers on site in Rossett. Photo: Dr Caroline PudneyVolunteers on site in Rossett. Photo: Dr Caroline Pudney

Dr Pudney told The Leader: "With this being the first Roman villa of its kind structurally attested in north east Wales, it is a really exciting excavation to be overseeing.

"In fact, very few Roman villas have been identified in north west England, north Wales and the Marches, particularly when compared with the central belt of England and south Wales. However, this project points to more substantial activity and dwellings existing in this area than previously understood.

"We look forward to challenging and adding to our knowledge of the area during the Roman period, alongside our colleagues from Wrexham Museum, and giving our students, local schools and the wider community opportunities to be part of this history-changing project."

The Roman villa open day will take place on Saturday, September 18. This will be a free event but it will be ticketed. Site tours will also be available for pre-booked groups. More information will be available soon via the news section of the Wrexham Council website - https://news.wrexham.gov.uk/.

Phil Hirst from the University of Chester is also working with Dr Pudney to produce video updates from the dig. For these and other regular updates, use the hashtag #RomanRossett or #YrOrseddRafeinig on Twitter and Instagram.