Evolution of a Romano-British Courtyard Villa

An archaeological excavation carried out between 2016 and 2018 at the former Dings Crusaders Rugby Football Club in Stoke Gifford revealed the ground plan of a Romano-British courtyard villa. Commencing in the 1st century AD as a roundhouse with field enclosures, it was re-built in the 2nd century as a complex of timber-framed rectangular buildings. By the end of the 3rd century, the field enclosures had been replaced by a new rectangular building with masonry foundations creating a 'row' or 'cottage'-type structure. Refurbishment and expansion followed during the 4th century. Wings were added to the house, a small bath suite and underfloor heating inserted, and a portico constructed which opened onto a courtyard flanked by ancillary buildings, achieving a courtyard villa plan. Finds from the site suggest mundane activities as well as higher-status living, attesting to local and regional links, and contacts to the wider world. Dings is one of just a few villas to have been fully excavated in recent times. It is an example of a settlement with origins at the beginning of the Roman period that developed with Roman-style architecture and evolved to become a villa of some pretension. Whilst not of the most lavish type, its history speaks of the variety and development of Roman villas in Britain.