The University of Chester has partnered with DigVentures for a new archaeological dig at the site of the first confirmed Roman villa in North Wales, located in Rossett near Wrexham. The excavation, funded through a successful crowdfunding campaign, aims to answer key questions about the area's ancient past.
Discovery and Previous Investigations
The project follows earlier investigations by the university and Archaeological Survey West, which were sparked by a metal detectorist's discovery of a lead ingot near Wrexham in 2019. Further exploration of the wider area revealed Roman flooring, ceramics and other artefacts, hinting that a high-status Roman building could be nearby. The site has since been confirmed as a villa complex.
This discovery is helping to reshape archaeologists' understanding of Roman rural life in the region, raising the possibility that Roman wealth, villas and settlement extended further into Wales than previously thought.
What the New Excavation Will Explore
This September, archaeologists from DigVentures and the university will investigate new areas of the villa complex, exploring how it developed, how its inhabitants lived and worked, and how the site changed over time. The dig is being carried out in collaboration with Wrexham Museum, the Portable Antiquities Scheme, PAS Cymru and In Search of Roman Rural Settlement with Heneb.
So far, excavations have uncovered pottery, coins, animal bones and building materials, with evidence of heating systems, decorated interiors and fine plasterwork. Finds from the site also suggest that the villa was connected to wider Roman trade networks, with imported pottery, high-quality building materials and sophisticated heating systems indicating that its residents were well-connected and wealthy.
Unanswered Questions and Public Engagement
Despite these discoveries, much of the villa remains unexcavated, leaving key questions about the site unanswered. Through this project, the team hopes to uncover more about the villa's full layout, how its rooms were used, when it was built and how long it was occupied. The investigation could even provide more information about who lived there, how they may have been connected to wider trade networks, and what this site could reveal about life, work and the economy in Roman Wales.
Free public tours of the site are being held on Saturday, September 5, 2026 and Wednesday, September 9, 2026. Places can be booked via Eventbrite.
Dr Caroline Pudney, senior lecturer in archaeology at the University of Chester and co-site director, said: "It is fantastic to be back at Rossett, continuing the exploration of North Wales' first confirmed Roman villa. Every season brings fresh discoveries, helping us build a clearer picture of the people who once lived here and their place in Roman Britain. Working alongside DigVentures and welcoming the public to be part of the journey allows us to deepen our understanding of the site while inspiring more people to connect with their local history and heritage."
Harriet Tatton, programme officer for project development at DigVentures, commented on this year's dig: "It's incredibly exciting to be part of this moment in North Wales' history, as we help to rewrite what we know about Roman settlement in this region through some genuinely significant archaeology!"
For more information about the excavation or to become a crowdfunder and join DigVentures in delving deeper into this site's ancient story, visit the DigVentures website.
