Unearthing the Past: Remarkable Roman Discoveries Beneath the Wittenham Clumps
This spring, Earth Trust and our archaeological partners DigVentures have uncovered extraordinary new insights into life in Roman Britain—thanks to the incredible support of over 350 crowdfunders and volunteers.
Together, we’ve made exciting progress on an ancient site nestled at the foot of the Wittenham Clumps in Oxfordshire. What began as an exploration of a known Iron Age settlement has evolved into the discovery of an immense Romano-British building, built directly atop much older Iron Age remains.
A Rare and Mysterious Structure
At over 30 metres long and 15 metres wide, the structure uncovered is a rare example of an aisled hall-style building—a type of Roman construction found more often in Britain than on the continent. These buildings are highly individual: some were simple agricultural stores, while others served as lavish residences complete with underfloor heating, bathhouses, shrines, and mosaics.
The big question: what was our building used for? Was it a home? A grand farm building? Or something in between?
Thanks to expanded excavation this year, we now know that the site extends even further than we imagined, with additional walls and rooms stretching beyond our original trench. We’ve uncovered Roman glass, pottery, and kitchen utensils, and even traces of some of Britain’s earliest pet dogs, painting a vivid picture of family life here during the 3rd to 4th centuries AD.
Layers of History Beneath Our Feet
Beneath the Roman structure lies a rich Iron Age past—evidenced by roundhouses, storage pits, and enclosure gullies. These findings help us understand not just the Roman occupation, but also what life was like here long before their arrival.
A Community-Powered Dig
This year’s excavation was made possible through the generosity of our crowdfunders—from those who joined us in the trenches to those supporting from home. Together, we’ve made incredible progress, but the story of this building isn’t over yet. The site is far larger than we initially thought, and there is still so much more to uncover.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who helped make this dig possible. You’ve brought this remarkable landscape to life.
Watch the Dig Tour
To see the discoveries firsthand and hear from the archaeologists themselves, watch the video tour here.