Ep 8. Winterbourne Gunner

As the eighth episode of the first season of Time Team's Unearthing the Roman Invasion, Winterbourne Gunner explores the potential remains of a Roman settlement in a small village in Wiltshire, England. Led by presenters Tony Robinson, Mick Aston, and Phil Harding, the team investigates the area where a mosaic was discovered during drain work in 1959, leading to speculation that a Roman villa may have existed on the site.

The team initially sets out to identify the exact location of the mosaic but is hampered by the terrain of the area. Winterbourne Gunner is a valley, and the team must navigate the potential for the ground to have shifted over time, leading to the mosaic's discovery further away from its original location. However, the team eventually identifies the spot where the mosaic was discovered, indicating the presence of a Roman structure beneath.

To further investigate the area, the team employs their usual mixture of physical and technological tools. One team member utilizes a metal detector to search for additional artifacts while another uses ground-penetrating radar to assess the area's subsurface. Additionally, the team brings in an expert in Roman architecture to analyze the mosaic and provide further insight into the potential location of a Roman settlement.

As the team continues its excavation, additional features come to light, including Roman pottery and coins. The pottery is significant as it provides a link to the surrounding area, helping to build a picture of the local Roman ecosystem. Additionally, the discovery of coins helps the team to establish a more precise timeline for the presence of Romans in the area.

As the excavation continues, the team discovers a possible road leading from a nearby fort, indicating that the settlement may have been of some importance to the Romans. Additionally, they identify a series of post holes, possibly indicating the construction of a significant structure such as a temple. The team's expert in Roman architecture further confirms the presence of a possible villa as well as a bathhouse.

Throughout the episode, the team faces challenges familiar to anyone involved in archaeological excavations. The terrain of the area makes excavation difficult and, at times, frustrating. Additionally, the team must deal with the reality that much of what they discover may only be small fragments of a larger picture, leading to speculation rather than certainty.

Despite the challenges, the team ultimately uncovers a wealth of information about Winterbourne Gunner's Roman past, helping to paint a broader picture of the Roman influence in the Wiltshire area. As with each episode of Time Team, Unearthing the Roman Invasion, Winterbourne Gunner demonstrates the power of historical inquiry and the thrill of discovery involved in uncovering a piece of history.