More on villa please

I, like many others I have spoken to, found David Dawson’s (director of Wiltshire Museum) remarks most perplexing. Having agreed it was an exciting discovery, he cautioned: “If the villa is unearthed it won’t be long before the frost gets at the stonework. It would be better to leave it undisturbed for future generations.”

From what I have gathered there is possible evidence of a hypocaust flue (used for underfloor heating), together with shards of glass, all of which could point to a villa belonging to somebody of wealth and possibly high status.

I am sure most of us are inquisitive and would like to know more now – not left for future generations! After all this could have the potential of a tourist attraction for Devizes.

Surely there are steps that can be taken to prevent frost damage – excavate during the spring/summer. If the remains are not significant, yes they could be reburied, but if they are substantial they should be protected and made available for all. How wonderful it would be for our schoolchildren to have such important history on our doorstep.

There are plenty of examples where Roman remains have been brought back to life with due regard to protection but more importantly display such as Chedworth Roman Villa, near Cirencester.

Mr Dawson also stated his concern where artifacts would be stored. Again, if significant, they could become a major attraction in their own right on site in their own display cases.

I dread to think what the outcome would have been if Mr Dawson had been responsible for a Roman site such as Pompeii where nearly the whole city is left exposed to the elements.Hopefully we will all get a proper opportunity to know what is on our doorstep.

Ken Chivers, Horton Road, Bishops Cannings.