Most complete Roman find discovered in Chichester park

Local archaeologists carrying out the trial excavation last summer which confirmed the Roman find

Foundations of three Roman houses have been discovered which have survived virtually intact for more than 1,600 years.

Scans showing two large town houses the size of Chichester’s Pallant House Gallery – most likely lived in by members of the aristocracy – and a third building, of great interest because of its unusual shape, have stunned local archaeologists.

“For Chichester we have never seen anything like this,” said James Kenny, archaeologist at Chichester District Council. “This is far and away the most complete series of Roman plans that we’ve ever come across.”

The discovery was made by geophysics specialist David Staveley from East Sussex, using ground penetrating radar equipment to scan the parks in Chichester, on Mr Kenny’s recommendation.

Following the scan results, Mr Kenny and members of Chichester & District Archaeology Society carried out a small dig last year, 30m south of the Guildhall, where foundations were found just 40cm below the ground.

Mr Kenny said: “What’s remarkable about this discovery is that it has survived over 1,000 years in a currently occupied city.

“The only reason they have survived is because they are under a park that has never been built on.

“It’s almost unique to see Roman houses survive in this type of setting and to be so complete.

“The location marks what may have been one of the more affluent parts of the Roman town, with these houses being the equivalent to a property worth millions of pounds in today’s society.

“The two houses have walls surrounding complete rooms, which are set around a courtyard or atrium.

“There is also a deep masonry building with a rounded end.

Chichester District Council archaeologist James Kenny and cabinet member Susan Taylor showing off the scan of the three Roman structures

“We are intrigued to find out what this building is. It could be a cellar, part of a bath house, or something even more exciting. We can’t wait to find out.”

The astonishing find adds to Chichester’s rich Roman history, which includes the city walls, the Roman Bath House in the Novium Museum and – outside the city – Fishbourne’s Roman Palace.