Old Sarum

The community web site for
Stratford sub Castle
Salisbury, Wiltshire

Roman period

A scene of Sorviodunum viewed from the west.

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Image copyright of English Heritage Photo Library

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This is a non-profit site maintained on an entirely voluntary basis by residents of the village.
The old hill fort was probably used as a temple The major Roman buildings lay outside the hill fort along the road to Dunovarium (Dorchester) There was some occupation immediately outside the fort There was probably a ford across the Avon at this point, possibly the origin of "Stratford" The valley was intensively farmed. The Romans introduced many new farming techniques. Approximate line of today's Stratford Road Probable road to the lead mines at Mendip Road to Calleva and Londinium Road to Cunetio (Marlborough) The Romans introduced white fleeced sheep from Italy and cross-bred them with the indiginous soay sheep to produce a hardy animal with good quality wool Road to Venta Bulgarum (Winchester)