In 2024, as part of a collaborative project on Roman archaeology in Northeast Wales, Heneb: The Trust for Welsh Archaeology and the University of Chester undertook a research excavation at Croxton’s Field near Holt, Wrexham. The site was first identified by the Holt Local History Society following several years of artefact recovery, which indicated the presence of a significant Roman settlement.
The investigation began with a high-resolution geophysical survey that revealed a gridded settlement layout, including roads, field systems, and possible structures. Based on these results, three targeted trenches were excavated. These confirmed the presence of a Roman metalled trackway with roadside ditches, which yielded artefacts such as a legionary-stamped tile and ceramics dating to the 3rd century. Two timber-built structures were also uncovered; however, these have been interpreted as post-Roman longhouses, likely dating to the Anglo-Saxon period.
Artefacts recovered included Roman pottery, ceramic building material, and metalwork, alongside environmental evidence of domestic activity. These findings highlight a transition from Roman to early medieval occupation, with evidence of Roman materials being reused in later structures. Residual prehistoric finds also raise intriguing questions about earlier activity on the site.
The excavation suggests possible links between Croxton’s Field and the nearby Holt Roman tile works, pointing to a broader settlement network. The early medieval presence may also relate to significant activity across the River Dee in Farndon, where King Edward the Elder lived and died.
Our investigation into this site is ongoing. Thanks to funding from the Cambrian Archaeological Society, we will soon obtain a range of scientific dates to aid interpretation. As part of this project, the University of Chester has also commissioned a short documentary, which you can watch on YouTube below.
For more information visit: University of Chester
Figure 1: Geophysical survey results showing gridded settlement and roads
Figure 2: Twentieth legion stamped tile made in Holt.
Figure 3: Section of Roman trackway running through the settlement
Figure 4 gable end of a possible early medieval building
Figure 5: remains of a possible early medieval hearth within a larger timber building
Figure 6: Interpretation of the Roman settlement
Figure 7: Interpretive plan of the possible early medieval buildings
