Published online by Cambridge University Press: 25 January 2012
The Roman city known to us under the name of Silchester forms part of a large farm upon the Hampshire estates of his Grace the Duke of Wellington. The land was occupied till very lately by Mr. Barton, whose name is familiar to archæologists in connection with the place as having formed a small but interesting collection of coins and antiquities found within or around the walls. At Mr. Barton's death, in 1864, this collection was purchased by his Grace.
page 404 note a 24th May 1865.
page 405 note a Extract from Journal of Excavation, subsequent:—“7th May 1866. Previous to filling back the mould to cover in the house No. 1, again, the circular basin was dug through at the centre. From below the tiles were raised fragments of wall plaster, with colour, the colours being quite strong at first, a small bronze coin of Claudius Gothicus, a little piece of jet black wood, not rotten, but exceedingly hard, and a few bones of oxen.”
page 409 note a There is little doubt that this is a floor of very late date, and formed by using the tiles (squares octagons, and hexagons) which had in its first construction been employed as the pilæ of a hypocaust. In its latest occupation the room was very probably a shop, being at a corner, and in an excellent position. The streets of Pompeii supply many examples of such shops along the fronts of great mansions.
page 411 note a It will readily be remembered that a somewhat similar incident occurred in the excavations at Pompeii, which gave its name to the “House of the Quæstor” there. In that instance two chests bound with iron had been fastened against the wall.
page 412 note a Found in room 6.
page 412 note b Found in room 1.