The remnants of wells from Roman Britain (43-410 AD) were first discovered by road workers who were preparing to reconstruct a highway. They reported their findings to experts at the Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA). Following this, a team of museum researchers conducted excavations at the site, uncovering two intriguing structures. Inside the wells, scientists found fragments of stairs and wood from a carpentry workshop.
What Surprised the Researchers?
The MOLA team discovered that during the construction of these complex structures, Roman builders of the 1st century AD faced certain challenges. Even the ancient Romans, who had made significant advancements in engineering and built structures that still stand today, made mistakes.
This was evidenced by the fact that the first well collapsed before it was ever used. The second well was built with relatively reinforced walls, but this construction was not flawless either.
It’s worth noting that the excavations took place in an area where an Iron Age settlement existed long before the Romans arrived (established around 350 BC). After the Romans conquered the territory in 43 AD, a period of active industrial development began. Within a large enclosed area, archaeologists found traces of carpentry and metalworking activities.
The new settlers and their crafts required water. Thus, they began to dig wells. The first well, reaching a depth of 8.5 meters, was constructed outside the enclosure. It was a square wooden well that collapsed before it could be used. Inside, wooden stairs remained.
Excavation leader Simon Marcus explained that despite the considerable efforts of Roman engineers, not everything went according to plan.
“We all do things that don’t quite go as planned, but this was a failure of Roman engineering on an industrial scale,” the archaeologist noted. The second well, at a depth of 6.4 meters, was lined with flat wooden planks intended to prevent its collapse. At the bottom, builders placed stones to filter the water coming from the dense clay soil. Ultimately, this well was also abandoned. It likely fell victim to someone’s mistake as well. Inside the well, researchers found chips, scraps, and cut branches, indicating that carpenters used it as a dumping ground, as reported by Arkeonews.
Currently, experts are studying the contents of the neglected well, including decorative wood. Overall, the artifacts discovered by the archaeologists suggest that the workshop was part of a larger trade network.
During the excavation, the team also uncovered an ancient Roman road that may have connected this area to important routes of the time.