Metal Detectorist’s Hunch Unearths Vast Roman Settlement in Cotswold Hotspot

In a stunning turn of events, a sprawling Ancient Roman settlement has been unearthed in the picturesque Cotswold region of Gloucestershire, England, thanks to the keen instincts of an amateur metal detectorist. Dating back nearly 2,000 years to the first and second centuries A.D., this discovery near Willersey paints a vivid picture of life during the Roman occupation of Britain.

The excavation, a collaborative effort with Historic England, revealed a Roman villa, limestone building remains, and several Iron Age ring ditches. Archaeologists also uncovered intricate Roman building materials like ceramic roofing, painted wall plaster, and box flue tiles, hinting at the sophistication of the settlement. But the real spark for this find came from Glenn Manning, a hobbyist who stumbled upon two iron Roman cavalry swords in March 2023 at the same site. Talk about striking historical gold!

These long swords, believed to belong to second-century cavalrymen, are a fascinating glimpse into the military presence of the era. One sword even shows evidence of decorative pattern welding, a sign of higher status and expense. Donated to the Corinium Museum in Cirencester, they stand as a testament to the site’s historical weight. While their exact connection to the villa remains a mystery, their discovery has opened a window into a settlement that spanned centuries.

Other finds include a burial with an iron band still around the skeleton’s arm and a horse skull, though its ties to the Roman era are yet to be confirmed. As Cotswold Archaeology’s Peter Busby put it, they’ve turned a plowed field and a pair of swords into a sprawling historical narrative. Meanwhile, Manning, who had a gut feeling he’d find something extraordinary on just his second metal detecting outing, called the experience ‘amazing.’

With Historic England poised to evaluate whether the site should be protected as a scheduled monument, this discovery adds another chapter to the enduring legacy of Roman Britain, reminding us that history often lies just beneath our feet.