Remains of a previously unknown Roman building have been discovered during building work on a new school building at Banbury Road in Warwick, United Kingdom.

The structure constructed of local sandstone measures over 28 metres in length and 14.5 metres in width. Researchers state that the building most likely forms a component of a large villa estate, which must have spread along the banks of the Avon and been connected to the Roman road system, and early indications suggest it developed in the 2nd century AD and probably went out of use in the 4th century. Corn drying ovens, uncovered both inside and outside the structure, attest to an agricultural function, although internal wall divisions at the opposite end of the building probably indicate a suite of domestic rooms.

Archaeologists believe that the villa would have been the largest building ever seen in the region. Officials state that the remains will be preserved under the new campus and plans are being developed to bring the results of the work to a wider audience in the forms of displays and educational materials, as well as a formal archaeological report.

(after Stratford-upon-Avon Herald)