By Holly Robinson

PROOF of a large Roman settlement in Bradford on Avon has been uncovered in the grounds of St Laurence School.

Bradford architect Martin Valatin, who lives and works in the town, made the discovery last summer when the dry weather highlighted unusual markings in the ground.

Investigations revealed the footprint of a large Roman dwelling dating from around 350AD, and the remains of what may be a second property at the site.

The important archeological find can only now be revealed because of fears the site would be destroyed by treasure hunters.

Mr Valatin said: "There seems to be what could be two houses together which is very unusual. It could have been quite a large estate.

"We have always known there was something going on up there my grandfather discovered a Roman coin in his back garden when I was little but this is the first major evidence of the house."

The discovery has opened up the chance to re-evaluate findings made in the 1970s when a Roman bath-house was dug up at the school site. Residents and workmen have also found artefacts on land now occupied by the housing estate.

Headteacher Nicholas Sorensen said: "We are beginning to get a bit more information week by week. We are re-writing the history of Roman Bradford on Avon and that is enormously exciting, especially as our students are involved."

Bristol University has been working with the school to find out exactly what secrets may lie below the surface and geophysical readings have been taken of the area. Year seven pupils, who study the Romans as part of their history syllabus, have also been helping map out the find.

Mr Sorensen said: "It is particularly exciting that they have actually been working on it and are aware they are on a Roman site.

"Stone coffins have been discovered and people have found things in their gardens. We were always aware it was a Roman site but now it has become much clearer where the site was and what it is.

"We knew there was at least one villa but it seems possible there may have been more than that. It is very, very exciting."

Mr Valatin said there were several Roman villas along the Avon Valley and other discoveries have been made in Box and Atworth.

Experts are now examining fragments of pottery found at the site.

Residents living in streets around the site were invited to a special meeting at the school last night to hear about the discovery. They have been asked to keep an eye out for anyone unofficially digging at the site or using metal detectors.

Mr Valatin said: "There is no right of way there and the property is owned by the county. Residents have been asked to warn off anybody who might think of interfering."

Mr Valatin said: "It is hoped that this will be a project in which the whole community can participate."