Gardeners' World (1968)
S11E02 A Roman Bath House and Edwardian Folly - Whitestaunton Manor, Somerset
Episode Overview
Nestled beside the pristine lawns of Whitestaunton Manor in Somerset's Blackdown Hills lies a patch of muddy weeds, rumored to be the remnants of a Roman villa, with coins and pottery unearthed in the area. However, archaeology student Freya Bowles has her own theories. The team must carefully clear away weeds and tree roots by hand, as machinery isn't allowed on this scheduled site, and they're restricted in how much they can excavate. As they dig, evidence of Roman structures begins to surface alongside Victorian garden remnants. Joining them are mosaic expert David Neal and buildings historian Jonathan Foyle, all overseen by technological historian Robert Spain, who helps them construct a full-scale replica of a hypocaust with under-floor heating.