Roman Remains

Bradford on Avon began life as a primitive Iron Age community over two and a half millennia ago when a tribe settled on a site of about six acres of headland with a view of forested hillsides and marshy river valley. Protected by steep escarpments they lived a simple life until the Roman occupation saw the village spread towards Bath and Monkton Farleigh.

Roman remains were discovered recently after marks on the playing fields at St Laurence School were investigated and English Heritage conducted an aerial sortie to reveal a plan of a roman villa of at least 15 rooms. Excavations in July 2002 and 2003 uncovered a burial site, hypocaust and a remarkable mosaic whose style, quality and condition makes it one of the finest to be discovered. Further excavations are planned for the future and photos and postcards of the findings are available in the town.

Saxons & Norman
The ancient bridge is a natural focus for the town with two of the 13th century arches still intact on the upstream side. The lock-up or blind house was built in the 17th century when the bridge was widened and as its name suggests, became the town jail by 1770. The inmates were said to be “under the fish and over the water” The fish, a gudgeon, can be seen as the weather vane.

Other buildings of these periods are the Saxon Church and the parish church of Holy Trinity both appropriately, to be found in Church Street.

The chapel of St Mary Tory almost on the top of the hillside behind, has medieval origins but is a mainly Victorian building.