The Boxford Community Dig came to an end last Sunday, 6 September, with an Open Day. A warm and sunny day welcomed all the visitors who had a chance to see the remains of the Roman villa complex and meet the archaeologists, including CA Andover’s Matt and Natasha. The open day was attended by around 100 people, who had a chance to visit the site and examine some of our star discoveries. The visitors could see the uncovered remains of a Roman villa. Previously revealed by geophysical survey, the villa consists of the main building measuring 50 meters in length with two wings, each projecting approximately 20 meters. In the focus of attention was a standalone bath house situated about 30 meters from the villa which was one of the most significant discoveries of the project. The team exposed approximately one third of the bath house measuring approximately 18 by 6 meters (see picture below).
Many of the trenches opened by the community dig also explored the widespread system of rectilinear ditches that cover the hill upon which the villa building is situated. An immense amount of hard work has allowed the team to see multiple phases in the use of the landscape.
Thank you to all our hardworking, committed and amazing volunteers. We want to congratulate all of you on the highly successful project at Boxford and we hope to see you all next year!
