Bristol's Kings Weston Roman Villa

Kings Weston Villa near Bristol was discovered during the construction of Lawrence Weston housing estate and named after the house on whose land it was sited. In 1947 work began on Long Cross, a road subsequently found to run straight through the Villa and which partially destroyed it in the process. Two buildings were revealed but only one, the Eastern Building, was fully excavated (1948-50)*. Finds from the site (items of domestic and everyday use including pottery, iron tools, bronze fittings and coins, and of personal adornment such as rings, pins and bracelets) are on display and in store at the City Museum, Bristol.

Please remember when viewing the remains that they do not represent the complete building - it is likely that the main body of the house lay under what is now the road. Generally, a villa is thought of as a country house and estate, which was often, but not necessarily, associated with farming. The main building, with several rooms under one roof, was usually constructed of stone, brick, or at least had stone foundations. Decorated walls, mosaic floors, heated living rooms and bath suites in various combinations gave an air of luxury, comfort and relaxation. The remains at Kings Weston include examples of all these features.

Excavation revealed an almost symmetrical plan (see overleaf) which developed in several phases: the bath suite, (Rooms 3, 4, and 5) and Room 13 were later additions as were the furnace chamber and hypocaust in Room 11.