Chedworth

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Chedworth. A large Romano-British villa in the Cotswolds 7 miles north-east of Cirencester. Originating as simple, free-standing buildings in the early part of the 2nd cent., in the early 4th cent. it developed into an extensive complex. The excavated (and displayed) area comprised, at the south-western, uphill end, a court divided from the rest of the villa by a wall with gatehouse. On three sides this court was enclosed by buildings, including two sets of baths and many rooms floored with mosaic. Nearby lay a nymphaeum enclosing a spring. The north-western range was prolonged into a row of rooms. The outer court remains unexcavated. Nearby was a probable temple. This and other features of the design have led to the suggestion that rather than a villa, Chedworth may have been part of a sacred complex.

Alan Simon Esmonde Cleary