ARCHAEOLOGISTS have discovered a number of new artefacts at the site of a Roman villa in Rossett.

Samian ware pottery, fragments from a Roman mixing bowl and hobnails from Roman shoes have all been unearthed at the dig, which is taking place on farmland in the village.

And archaeologists believe that stones from part of the building have been stolen for use in building elsewhere at one point in time, since only the foundations survive in places.

The discovery of the Rossett Roman villa, which is thought to have been occupied by Roman residents for around 300 years, has caused great excitement as it is the first of its kind to be discovered in north east Wales.

Rossett Pig

It followed the discovery of a rare Roman lead ingot called the Rossett Pig by metal detectorist Rob Jones from Coedpoeth. This discovery in a nearby field, combined with the unearthing of some Roman artefacts by the farmer as he ploughed his field, led archaeologists to investigate.

And a geophysical survey of the site then revealed the outline of a Roman villa, which is around two thousand years old.

The Leader: Some of the latest finds from the Rossett Roman villa site, with, inset, some of the archaeological team on stie Some of the latest finds from the Rossett Roman villa site, with, inset, some of the archaeological team on stie

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

The villa 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 and has recruited some of her students to volunteer at the dig, getting invaluable experience.

The Leader: Dr Caroline Pudney with a fragment of Roman pottery from the Rossett Roman villa Dr Caroline Pudney with a fragment of Roman pottery from the Rossett Roman villa

Decorated rooms

She shared an update on progress, telling The Leader: "The dig continues to be really exciting! The rain has really helped the digging conditions too. The colours that highlight changes in the archaeological layers and features are now much clearer to see.

"We’ve found that some parts of the walls have been robbed out - presumably people using the stone for their own building needs! So in places only the foundations survive.

"There might be phases to the building - suggesting alterations over its life span. Not surprising if it was indeed in use for some 300 years! The coin that was found on Tuesday is from the House of Constantine so dates from 335-341 AD, suggesting we’re only really coming down to the later phase of the building.

"We’ve had some more Samian ware pottery and fragments of mortaria (a sort of Roman mixing bowl), and lots of iron nails which were most likely used in structural/roof timbers. A few hobnails from peoples shoes too! Finally - some fragments of painted wall plaster in the demolition layers suggest at least some of the rooms were decorated."

The dig has been funded by the Roman Research Trust and the Welsh Government Rural Communities - Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.

Open day

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

Video updates from the dig are also being produced by the University of Chester. For these and other regular social media updates, use the hashtag #RomanRossett or #YrOrseddRafeinig on Twitter and Instagram.