Evolution of a Romano-British Courtyard Villa : Excavations at the former Dings Crusaders Rugby Ground, Stoke Gifford 2016–2018

Excavations between 2016–2018 revealed a series of structures that were re-organised and rebuilt over time, which culminated in a stone-built winged corridor villa in the mid to late 4th century AD.

Wings were added to the buildings and a portico at the front opened out onto a courtyard.

The outer courtyard was flanked by ancillary buildings, one of which contained a hypocaust and another a small bath suite.

Finds included a rare copper alloy figurative lamp with probable foreign origins, a lion mask and a range of pottery, glass worked stone and bone.

Environmental remains indicate a mixed arable and pastoral agricultural economy that supported its inhabitants and may have produced a surplus.

Wood for fuel and other purposes was obtained from surrounding hedges and copses.