Evolution of a Romano-British Courtyard Villa; Dings Crusaders Rugby Ground

Redevelopment of the former Dings Crusaders Rugby Ground by Redrow Homes South West provided the exciting and rare opportunity to fully excavate a Roman villa using modern techniques. The volume explores the site’s development from a Late Iron Age roundhouse set within an enclosure, to timber structures dating to the 2nd century, and by the 3rd century it featured buildings with stone foundations. This row or cottage style villa was expanded during the 4th century with wings, and a bath suite and underfloor heating were added. Further embellishments included a portico that opened onto a courtyard, which was flanked by ancillary buildings. Finds from the villa indicate higher status living, as well as the more mundane remains of everyday life at Dings.

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