A significant Roman mosaic, unearthed from a farmer's field near Sampford Peverell, Devon, is set to go on public display, marking the culmination of a 16-year journey since its initial discovery. The patterned tesserae floor was part of a Roman villa complex, a rare find for the region, and was excavated through a collaborative effort involving the University of Exeter, Cotswold Archaeology, and a team of volunteers and students.
The site was first identified by local metal detectorist John Hill 16 years ago. Hill, who has been metal detecting for four decades, described the discovery as a dream, recalling how he realised the scale of the find after discovering a coin and then seeing tesserae scattered across the field. Despite the farmer's initial scepticism, who had regularly ploughed the land since the 1950s, the area had indeed been concealing ancient secrets.
Dr Susan Greaney, a lecturer in archaeology at the University of Exeter, highlighted the importance of the discovery, noting that Roman villas, especially those with mosaics, are exceptionally rare in Devon. She explained that the villa would have served as the centre of a large, high-status estate, providing valuable insights into Roman life on the western fringes of the empire. The excavation forms part of a five-year research project, 'Saving Halberton's Ancient Roman Environment', which is two years into its work.
The mosaic, featuring a central flower design, along with other artefacts from the dig, will be preserved and showcased at the Tiverton Museum of Mid Devon Life. This public display will allow residents and visitors to connect directly with the region's rich Roman heritage. Researchers are also investigating potential connections between this villa and the legionary city of Exeter or military forts in Tiverton and Cullompton, aiming to understand the broader Roman presence in the South West.
For Hill, who is nearing 80, seeing the site properly excavated and its secrets revealed has been a profound experience, fulfilling a long-held hope. His dedication, combined with the efforts of archaeologists and volunteers, has brought to light a crucial piece of British history that was once hidden beneath agricultural land.