Chedworth

A site in Cotswold, southern England, with the ruins of a large Roman villa, one of the best-preserved in Britain. The villa was typical of the last years of the Roman occupation. Three phases have been found, c 100-150 AD, early 3rd century, and early 4th century.

Here, in idyllic surroundings in the Cotswold area of southern England, stand the ruins of a large Roman villa, one of the best-preserved in Britain and probably, in its final phase, typical of a whole group of rich villas that characterized the last years of the Roman occupation. At Chedworth three phases may be distinguished: in the first (cl00-150 ad) there were two buildings and a separate bath block; in the second (early 3rd century) there seems to have been rebuilding and enlargement after a fire; and in the third (early 4th century) the villa acquired its present-day layout, with the various elements united by a verandah. Notable features include a fine dining-room with mosaic floor depicting the seasons personified, a nymphaeum, and a modest Romano-Celtic temple