Sign of the times shows just how Romans lived

Sign of the times shows just how Romans lived
06 July 2006
EDITORIAL – herts.advertiser@archant.co.uk
IT'S a sign of the times – ancient times that is.

The layout of a Roman Villa can now be clearly seen at Moor Mill, Frogmore, thanks to the installation of a new board.

The interpretation board, funded by Lafarge Aggregates, is situated on a former gravel-extraction site near Frogmore lakes. The project is part of a joint project between the Park Street and Frogmore Society and Groundwork Hertfordshire.

Tony Stevens of the society said: “The Frogmore Lakes and surrounding countryside are a popular place for walkers. Many local people will be surprised to learn that this important complex stood here for hundreds of years. We hope that this interpretation board will make their walk more interesting and encourage them to visit our two first-class museums.”

The board gives an artist's impression of the Roman villa which was on the site between the first and fourth centuries AD, and once formed part of a much-larger Roman farm complex near the River Ver and Hyde Lane.

The site was originally excavated in the 1940s with a second excavation in the 1950s. Artefacts unearthed included brooches, an iron slave chain, a large mixing bowl and the skeletons of two wealthy individuals. All are on display at Verulamium Museum.