Usually, the ‘Unique Bedford’ column celebrates the things that make Bedford unique: specialist shops, interesting people or architecture. However, this month we have something that is not just unique to Bedford, but is unique to the whole of the Britain. And it’s been discovered right here on our doorstep…
In 2010, building works at Edith Cavell Lower School uncovered evidence of a Roman site that had been occupied since before 43 AD. Archaeologists, led by Stephen Cockings (on the right), speculate that in Roman times, Manton Heights would have been prime real estate. As the highest land in Bedford, on a warm south facing slope, it is close to the River Ouse, yet above the flood plain, made it ideal for a villa.
When a new care home was built opposite Edith Cavell Lower School, a pipe trench led to the discovery of a grand complex of buildings datable to the second century AD onwards. Excavated remains included a 9 metre section of building, wall and inner floor.
Also discovered was the base of a possible cold plunge pool, in which was impressed the footprint of a child’s high-status shoe, fashionable between 250 and 300 AD and worn only by very wealthy men and boys.
Other high-status items include the evidence for a hypocaust, a Roman under floor heating system, including supporting pila and box flue tiles.
But what makes this villa so special, is the stucco work, which is unique to Roman Britain.
“Putting all the evidence together, we are looking at a very significant Roman complex of buildings, that are without parallel in the rest of Roman Britain, and once held possibly one of the mostly richly decorated set of rooms ever found in the Britain,” said Stephen. “The site is of interest to the British Museum and is internationally significant. We are hoping that in future we might be able to build a museum on Manton Lane to protect and showcase our finds.” The excavation site has been covered up for the winter, but the team of archaeologists are looking forward to coming back go Manton Lane in 2017 explore the site further.
To find out more, go to their website and isten to our interview with Stephen Cockings and a chat with two Edith Cavell students following their visit to the site.
