The reconstructed foundations of a Romano-British temple, uncovered in 2018 during an 18-month archaeological excavation at Watling Place, Newington, will be officially unveiled next Tuesday. (Sept 28th)
A short ceremony will be held at 11:00am on the recreation area off Watling Drive, ME9 7FX.
A selection of Iron Age and Roman artefacts uncovered during the dig will be displayed.
Reconstruction of the 2,000-year-old temple’s foundations has been completed by Newington History Group and Swale and Thames Archaeology Survey Company (SWAT), with the support of Persimmon Homes.
The history group succeeded in persuading Persimmon to spare the foundations only days before they were due to be covered by the 124-home housing project.
The history group succeeded in persuading Persimmon to spare the foundations only days before they were due to be covered by the 124-home housing project.
The original stones have been re-laid only 70m from their previous location, on the same orientation and alignment. The main structure of the temple was demolished around the 2nd century.
The temple foundations will be on permanent open display along with an information board explaining the importance of the site and the history of the Romans in Newington.
If you are attending the opening, please walk there if you’re able due to the limited parking on the Watling Place estate and in village car parks. Please respect areas of residents’ parking.
For updated information follow the history group on Twitter @NewingtonHG, check the Facebook page or view the website www.newingtonhistory.uk
Richard Thompstone - Newington History Group
