Archaeologists have uncovered a significant Iron Age Roman settlement near a Cotswolds village in Gloucestershire, sparked by the discovery of a rare pair of Roman cavalry swords.
The excavation site, located near Willersey, revealed what is believed to be the remains of a Roman villa, following a metal detecting rally two years ago where two iron Roman cavalry swords were found. Remarkably, these swords may still show traces of their original scabbards, offering a rare glimpse into Roman military artifacts.
Glenn Manning, the metal detectorist who found the swords, donated the artefacts to the Corinium Museum in Cirencester. Reflecting on his discovery, Manning said, “Finding two swords in the same spot was amazing,” adding that he had a premonition the morning before the rally that something special would be uncovered. As a newcomer to metal detecting, this was only his second outing, making the find all the more extraordinary.
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Following the sword discovery, Historic England conducted a geophysical survey of the surrounding area, revealing extensive prehistoric and Romano-British remains. Excavations earlier this year uncovered evidence of settlements from multiple periods, including three or four Iron Age ring ditches, a large quadrilateral enclosure, and Roman limestone architectural fragments that suggest the presence of a winged villa.
Further investigation is planned, and depending on future findings, Historic England may recommend that the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) consider granting scheduled monument status to the site.
The swords, identified as “spatha,” were typical of Roman cavalry from the early second century AD through to the third century AD. While their timing aligns with the villa’s occupation, the reason for their presence remains a mystery.
Ian Barnes, senior archaeologist at Historic England, emphasized the importance of the find: “This excavation offers valuable insight into settlement patterns in Gloucestershire from the Early Iron Age to the Roman period, shedding light on the dynamic changes following the Roman Conquest.”
Peter Busby of Cotswold Archaeology praised the collaborative effort: “I am proud of our volunteers, professional archaeologists, and metal detectorists who, despite heavy rain, transformed a ploughed field and scattered swords into a story that spans centuries.”
Emma Stuart, director of the Corinium Museum, expressed excitement about the acquisition: “These rare artefacts enrich the museum’s collection, broadening our understanding of life in the Cotswolds during the Roman era. The identification of scabbard remnants by Wiltshire Conservation adds a fascinating layer to the discovery.”
The swords will be on public display at the Corinium Museum starting August 2, offering visitors a unique window into the region’s rich Roman heritage.