Ancient Roman temple unearthed below Kent building site

Historians have stopped a 2,000-year-old temple from being bulldozed by developers by offering to rebuild it in their village.

Foundations of the inner temple discovered by archaeologists
under a building site [Credit: SWNS]

The Romano-Celtic temple was unearthed by archaeologists in April on a plot of land earmarked for housing in Newington, Kent.

They found rare coins, pots, a well, an iron smelting kiln and foundations of the inner temple. It follows the discovery of an entire Roman town in Newington last year.

A 2000 year old coin was among the items discovered at the site
[Credit: SWNS]

The 18-acre settlement was found to be  in exceptional condition and has been hailed as one of the most significant finds in regional archaeological history.

Remains of the ancient temple have been placed in storage this week, after Newington History Group (NHG) sought permission off archaeologists to re-site it in their village.

A Roman pot was also found on the site [Credit: SWNS]

Dean Coles, chairman of NHG, said: ‘We’re excited and proud to have obtained Watling Place Temple for the village. When news of the finds became public, villagers were upset at the thought of them being buried again. We looked at how we could save the temple, recognising its unique and immense historic value to the village. Now the temple will be a physical reminder of Newington’s long and fascinating heritage.’

It is hoped the temple will become a focal point in Newington and illustrate how the village developed as a Roman town.

An Iron age smelting kiln was also unearthed
[Credit: SWNS]

The are only 150 known sites of Roman Temples in England, meaning those which are found are considered to be of national importance.

Dr Paul Wilkinson, director of SWAT Archaeology, said the discovery strengthens the likelihood that Newington could be part of the long-lost Roman town of Durooevum.

A flint lined well at the site of the ancient temple
[Credit: SWNS]

He said: ‘The industry, residential quarter and temple tell us that Newington could be Durolevum. ‘It is wonderful that part of our Roman heritage is to be rescued and preserved by the efforts of the local community.’

Author: Faye Brown | Source: Metro News [August 15, 2019]