For many years ploughshares had been fouling foundations of a structure S. E of Lidgate and outlines of a building had been detected. In 1973 aerial photography revealed the plan of a ''Splendid Corridor Villa' (described in Norman Scarfe's,'Suffolk Landscape') Coins and artifacts discovered suggest occupation throughout the Roman period. The Villa was probably the centre for farming interests in the area and occupied by locals who assumed Roman ways. There is evidence of a mosaic floor, under floor heating, etc., as would be expected in a fairly wealthy establishment. All this awaits systematic excavation.
Over the years many have been found in the area:
A bronze figure of a bird, a small bowl of Samian ware ornamented with medallions;
in one a cupid and surrounded by egg and tassel band,
a small bronze figure possibly of Hercules. Coins too:
Pertinax 193,
Septimius Severus 193-211, Tacitus 275-276,
Probus 276 - 281,
Constantine 1 307-337, Valentinian 1 367 - 378 to name a few
Tacitus 275-276.(left & right)
Imperator Caesar Marcus Claudius Tacitus Pius Felix Augustus
Valentinian 1 367-368 (far right)
