Summary
The cistern lies 20m NW of the pumphouse and was first discovered in 1891, when a trench was dug to find an alternative water supply for the hydraulic ram. It was repaired afterwards. Each of the six steps is shaped as a regular octagon, except for the lowest stone which is a single block with a hole in the centre.
Identification Images (0)
Monument Types
- CISTERN (Roman - 43 AD to 409 AD)
Description
The Roman cistern lies 20m NW of the pumphouse and was first discovered in 1891, when a trench was dug to find an alternative water supply for the hydraulic ram. It is part of a possible Roman bath house site located at The Weir (group record 70099). The cistern was repaired after its initial discovery, but Shoesmith records that some of the stones as being misplaced. [SNA62386]. Each of the six steps is shaped as a regular octagon, except for the lowest stone which is a single block with a hole in the centre. [SNA62387] When discovered, the hole in this stone was described as containing 'handfuls of tesserae' and a stone channel was discovered leading from it to the river. [SNA62386]
Worcestershire SMR records that during the 1891 water works, 'the stones were broken and moved until it was noticed that the stones were carefully carved and dressed and the remainder were excavated with more care.
What was revealed was a mass of masonry forming a series of steps, leading, in diminishing diameter, to a single large stone with a 6in circular hole in the centre. When the hole was cleared numerous tesserae were discovered. The position of the hole was found to be on the course of a streamlet, the overflow of which was conducted to the river via a stone trough.
At this time a photograph and drawing of the cistern were sent to Professor Middleton at Kings College Cambridge, who replied that in his opinion, judging from the drawing, the cistern was likely to be Medieval rather than Roman.'
References
- SNA62386 - National Trust Report: Shoesmith, R and Boulton, M G. 1977. Roman Masonry at New Weir, Herefordshire: Interim Report.
- SNA62387 - National Trust Report: Shoesmith, R and Boulton, M G. 1977. The Roman Buildings at New Weir, Herefordshire, Report on Trial Excavations 1977: Interim report.
- SNA62388 - National Trust Report: Anon. 1892. Transactions of the Woolhope Naturalists' Field Club (Herefordshire).
- SNA62390 - Article in serial: Shoesmith, R. 1980. The Roman buildings at New Weir, Herefordshire. 43.
- SZK48100 - Unpublished document: English Heritage. 18/1/1999. English Heritage SAM notes.
Other Statuses and References
None Recorded
Associated Events
- ENA4249 - Archaeological Intervention, Trial Excavations at The Weir
- ENA4250 - Archaeological Intervention, Antiquarian discovery of Roman Remains at the Weir, Swainshill (1891)
- ENA4254 - Archaeological Intervention, Resistivity survey at The Weir
- ENA4255 - Archaeological Intervention, Resistivity survey at The Weir Garden
- ENA7559 - Archaeological Intervention, Archaeological Evaluation for The Weir Gardens, Swainshill, Herefordshire (Ref: LP1716M-AER-v1.2)
- ENA7724 - Archaeological Intervention, Archaeological Fieldwork at The Weir Garden, Swainshill, Herefordshire: 1991-1995
Associated Finds
None Recorded
Related Records
- Part of: New Weir Riverside Roman Site, The Weir, Swainshill (Monument) - 70099 / MNA143416