Caerwent Roman Town, South Wales

Venta Silurum is one of the most outstanding Roman sites in Britain. The Roman advance across southern Britain had been swift from the time of invasion, but faltered once the advance into South Wales had begun. Fierce oppostion from the local tribe of Silurs, the more difficult terrain, and the uprising of Queen Boadicea in the east, all contributed to leaving the area under Celtic control until cAD75. Once suppressed, as was the Roman way, the local chieftans were 'romanised' and were granted a decree of autonomy to manage their own affairs, with their capital city being established at Caerwent. Exactly when this occurred is unknown, but the construction of the forum basilica cAD120 suggests that it would have been around this time.

Caerwent Roman Town extended to some 44 acres, making it relatively small for a tribal capital, but its wealth was considerable. Originally no more than an assortment of buildings constructed along the length of the Roman road, the town as visible today was probably started in the early part of the 3rd century. Substantial town walls, replacing earlier earthen defences, were erected in stone with the massive bastions being added some years later. Caerwent Roman Town appears to have remained prosperous throughout the 4th century, its decline beginning in the closing years but predominantly, in common with most Roman sites, during the first quarter of the 5th century.

Today although a large amount of earlier excavations have been back-filled, there is still much to interest the visitor. Walking along the main street from west to east, the first site is that of some excavated shops in Pound Lane. Started in AD150, but continually developed over the next 200 years, the remains comprise of two long rectangular buildings (their fronts facing the main road and not the lane to the left). These shops had commercial areas at the front, with accommodation to the rear. Only the commercial area of the western shop is now visible as the eastern frontage lies under a modern dwelling.

Subsequent modifications to the rear of the premises soon joined the two accommodation areas together, but eventually the eastern shop was demolished to facilitate the building of a new annexe, giving the whole structure three wings around a central courtyard. A covered portico supported by columns was also erected along the south side, encroaching onto the main street. Immediately to the rear of the shops is the remains of a larger house arranged around a courtyard built quite late in the town's history. The main west wing can be clearly seen running up Pound Lane along with the south wall of the south wing. The remainder of the property lies under a modern house so its overall layout is difficult to determine.

To the north west are the remains of the last building constructed Caerwent Roman Town, a large house arranged around two courtyards. Dating from the 4th century, this substantial house consisted of in excess of 16 rooms, most of which are still visible. Further eastwards along the main street is a small Romano-Celtic temple, built cAD330, but it is unknown to whom it was dedicated. Just north of the temple, are the considerable remains of the forum basilica, and excavations are still on-going in this area.

The most impressive and substantial remains at Caerwent Roman Town are undoubtedly the town walls, which still encompass the bulk of the modern town. The northern section has been largely robbed out, but the southern section survives in places to a height of 17ft (5m). Many of the later bastions on this southern section also still exist. Finally, the town church is also worthy of a visit as it contains various Roman artefacts, including two inscribed stones in the porch.