Banbury Roman villa find grabs attention around the world

The story broken exclusively by the Banbury Guardian last week, has been taken up by ITN, the BBC and a host of national newspapers.

Martin Fiennes of Brough-ton Castle, in whose grounds the remains lie, and Keith Westcott, the detectorist who discovered them, have been busy with interviews.

Mr Westcott said: “The announcement of the discovery in the Banbury Guardian has created a global response.

“It’s great to see such interest, particularly from people who hope the project will be excavated and available to the public.”

Mr Westcott said a full archeological investigation would be a huge undertaking.

“Due to the number of people who want to participate I am bringing forward a plan to form a group of historians, archaeologists and anyone who would like to be involved in an exciting new project,” he said.

The Itinerary Triangle Historical and Archaeological Society or ITHAS will research the area between Fosse Way, Akeman Street and Watling Street and more specifically, the northern part of the triangle.

“It’s now possible this area is a much more important Romano British stronghold than thought, governed by a system leading back to Broughton’s Courtyard Villa.”

Anyone interested in joining the society should email Mr Westcott at [email protected]