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Silchester: Echoes of Roman Britain

A comprehensive exploration of the historic English village and the significant Roman town of Calleva Atrebatum.

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Introduction

Location and Significance

Silchester is a village and civil parish situated approximately 5 miles (8 km) north of Basingstoke in Hampshire, England. It lies adjacent to the Berkshire county border and roughly 9 miles (14 km) southwest of Reading. The village is historically significant as the location of Calleva Atrebatum, a major Iron Age and Roman settlement.

Roman Heritage

Calleva Atrebatum was an important oppidum (a large fortified settlement) of the Atrebates tribe, later developing into a significant Roman town and the capital of its civitas (administrative district) within the Roman province of Britannia. The site is renowned for its remarkably preserved Roman town walls, considered among the best in Great Britain, and potential evidence of an early Christian church.

Modern Character

Today, the modern village of Silchester is situated just outside the ancient Roman fortifications. It retains a distinct rural character, serving its local community with amenities such as a village hall and a public house, and offering access to extensive common lands ideal for recreation and exploration.

Historical Overview

Archaeological Investigations

The archaeological landscape around Silchester, including its Late Iron Age oppidum and Roman town, has been the subject of extensive research. The University of Reading has led a significant project identifying numerous archaeological sites dating from the Neolithic period through to World War II. Historic England has published various reports detailing these findings, underscoring the rich archaeological strata of the area.

From Iron Age to Abandonment

Calleva Atrebatum originated as an Iron Age oppidum before its Roman occupation, which commenced around AD 45. The town covered over 107 acres within impressive polygonal earthworks and walls, with its amphitheatre located just outside the city limits. Excavations, notably by the Society of Antiquaries from 1890 to 1909, have revealed much about its structure and life. Intriguingly, Calleva was abandoned relatively late, in the 7th century, compared to other Roman settlements.

Archaeological Discoveries

Notable Finds

Significant artifacts have been unearthed at Silchester, including the bronze Silchester eagle, discovered in the Basilica and now housed at Reading Museum. The Silchester Ogham stone, dated to approximately AD 500, is another rare find in England, featuring a Latin inscription in Irish Ogham script, possibly indicating property ownership by an individual named Tebicatos.

Evidence of Daily Life

Analysis of botanical remains from Calleva provides insights into the diet of its inhabitants. Evidence suggests access to staple foods like cereals and coriander, alongside cultivated fruits. Notably, imports of exotic fruits such as medlar and mulberry indicate established trade networks reaching the settlement.

Calleva Atrebatum

Urban Layout

Calleva Atrebatum was a planned Roman town, characterized by its extensive earthworks and substantial ruined walls, which still delineate its polygonal boundary. The site covers over 107 acres. Within the walls, the landscape is now largely agricultural, with the parish church and an old manor house situated in one corner, marking the historical centre.

The site plan reveals the layout of Calleva Atrebatum, showcasing the defensive earthworks, town walls, and the location of key structures like the amphitheatre and the basilica where the Silchester eagle was found.

The plan typically illustrates a grid-like street system within the walled enclosure, with public buildings such as forums, temples, and bathhouses, alongside residential areas. The amphitheatre, a significant entertainment venue, is situated outside the main walls.

Early Christian Site?

Within the Roman town's remains, there is evidence suggesting the presence of what might be one of the earliest Christian churches discovered in the British Isles. This potential ecclesiastical site adds another layer to the historical significance of Calleva Atrebatum.

Manorial History

Medieval Records

Silchester's manorial history dates back to the 11th century, with records in the Domesday Book detailing holdings by figures such as Alestan and Cheping, with overlordship by King Edward the Confessor and Earl Harold Godwinson, respectively. Following the Norman Conquest, these manors passed to William De Ow and Ralph de Mortimer.

Land and Legacy

In 1204, Ralph Bluet obtained a licence to enclose land south-east of the Roman town for a deer park, parts of which, including the earthwork park pale, still survive and remain wooded. The toponym evolved through spellings like Ciltestere and Scilchestre before settling on Silchester. Ownership later passed through prominent families, including the Viscounts Blesington, the Viscounts de Vesci, the Barons Longford, and eventually the Dukes of Wellington.

Parish Church

St Mary the Virgin

The Church of England parish church of St Mary the Virgin is situated within the Roman town walls, possibly on the site of a Roman temple. The current structure dates primarily from the late 12th or early 13th century, with evidence of re-used Roman materials in its construction.

Architectural Features

The church features a nave and two aisles, each of two bays. Notable architectural elements include a lack of a chancel arch, a longer chancel than nave, an ogee-arched tomb recess with a lady's effigy from the 14th century, and windows dating from the 14th and 15th centuries, including a Perpendicular Gothic east window. It also possesses a Perpendicular Gothic rood screen and an 18th-century pulpit with a 1639 tester.

Bells and Memorials

The church's bell-turret houses a ring of five bells. Four were cast by John Stares of Aldbourne in 1744, and the fifth by William Taylor of Oxford in 1848. A carved memorial cartouche commemorates Viscount Ikerrin (died 1712).

Geographical Context

Village Centre

The contemporary village of Silchester is primarily centred around Silchester Common. This modern settlement is located approximately 1 mile (1.6 km) west of the historic parish church and the former manor house, both of which are situated within the eastern sector of the former Roman town's perimeter.

Location Details

OS Grid Reference: SU627620
Post Town: Reading
Postcode District: RG7
Dialling Code: 0118

Local Governance

Administrative Structure

Silchester operates as a civil parish with an elected parish council. Administratively, it falls under the Basingstoke and Deane District Council and Hampshire County Council. The parish is part of the Pamber and Silchester ward, which returns two councillors to the borough council.

Population Data

According to the 2011 Census, the population of the Silchester civil parish was recorded at 921 residents.

Transport Links

Bus Services

As of October 2017, Silchester Common is served by bus route 14. This service, operated by Stagecoach, connects the village with Basingstoke, Chineham Shopping Centre, Bramley, Little London, and Tadley, running on Mondays through Saturdays.

Village Amenities

Public House

The village's primary public house is The Calleva Arms, named in homage to the former Roman town. Previously known as "The Crown," it serves as a central point for the local community.

Community Life

Silchester fosters a vibrant community life with various annual events, including a beer festival, a fun run, a church fete, and a music festival. The village also hosts an amateur dramatic society and a dedicated village association, contributing to its active social fabric.

Sports

Silchester Cricket Club participates in the Hampshire Cricket League, competing in Regional Division Three North East, representing the village's sporting interests.

Educational Facilities

Primary Education

Silchester is home to a Church of England aided primary school, providing local education for younger residents. For secondary education, most Silchester children attend The Hurst School in nearby Baughurst.

Accolades

Village Recognition

Silchester has received notable recognition for its community and environment, being voted "Hampshire Village of the Year" in 2008 and subsequently "South England Village of the Year" in 2009 in the Calor Village of the Year competition.

Notable Persons

Individuals Associated with Silchester

Silchester has been home or associated with various notable individuals across different fields:

  • Alys Fowler – Gardener
  • Dudley Fishburn
  • Earl of Longford – Held the peerage of Baron Silchester from 1821
  • James Crowdy – Cricketer
  • Jonathan Pitt – IT Entrepreneur, co-founder of Pentesec
  • Jonathan Shipley – Clergyman
  • Ray Bullock – Author
  • Roy Marples – Open Source Developer
  • Richard Carte – Composer
  • Thomas Pakenham – Historian
  • Thomas Powys – Clergyman
  • Victoria Monks – Music-hall singer
  • William Stewart, 1st Earl of Blessington – Buried in Silchester

Related Topics

Ring of Silvianus

Discovered near Silchester in 1785, the Ring of Silvianus is an ancient ring believed by some to have inspired J.R.R. Tolkien's One Ring in The Lord of the Rings.

Silchester Eagle

This Roman bronze casting, found within the Basilica of Calleva Atrebatum, is a significant artifact providing insight into Roman craftsmanship and symbolism.

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References

References

  1.  Silchester amphitheatre
  2.  Roman colonies in Subroman Britain
  3.  Pete's Silchester Pages
  4.  Silchester Cricket Club
  5.  Hampshire Cricket League
  6.  Silchester Church of England Primary School
A full list of references for this article are available at the Silchester Wikipedia page

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Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page has been generated by an AI and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is derived from publicly available data and may not be exhaustive or entirely current. It is presented with the aim of providing a comprehensive overview suitable for advanced academic study.

This is not professional historical or archaeological advice. The information provided should not substitute consultation with qualified historians, archaeologists, or heritage professionals. Always verify critical information with primary sources or expert consultation.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.