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Roman Villa Unearthed: A Glimpse into Ancient Farming Life
7 Apr
Summary
- Massive Roman villa, over 120ft long, discovered near Dereham.
- Estate featured a bathhouse, evidence of food processing, and exotic artifacts.
- Villa built in phases between 1st and 3rd centuries AD, predating other finds.

Archaeologists unearthed the substantial remains of a Roman villa near Dereham, Norfolk, during excavations for a power cable route. This extensive farming estate, measuring over 120ft long, featured a bathhouse and ancillary buildings, suggesting significant agricultural activity and food processing. The villa's construction is estimated to have taken place in phases between the 1st and 3rd centuries AD.
Excavations revealed numerous roof tiles, indicating a substantial structure. Among the artifacts found were personal items like brooches and hairpins, along with a unique bronze handle shaped like an unidentified creature, humorously dubbed the 'Norfolk Nessie.' The site also yielded evidence of earlier prehistoric activity, including Neolithic pits and barrow mounds, as well as Iron Age and medieval village remains.