Ep 2. A Roman Bath House and an Edwardian Folly, Whitestaunton

Time Team season 11 episode 2 titled "A Roman Bath House and an Edwardian Folly, Whitestaunton" takes us to the village of Whitestaunton in Somerset, where the team is tasked with uncovering a Roman bathhouse and an Edwardian folly in the same location.

Tony Robinson and his team of archaeologists begin their investigation by first examining historical documents and photographs of the area. They learn that the site was once a grand house owned by a wealthy family, but it had fallen into disrepair over the years. The current owner of the site believes that there may be Roman ruins on the property, as well as the remains of the Edwardian folly that was built in the early 1900s.

The team starts their excavation by first locating the remains of the old house, which are quickly revealed. They begin digging in the area where the Roman bathhouse is believed to be, and soon come across a large stone wall that could be a part of the structure. They also find evidence of a stone floor, which suggests that the bathhouse was a grand structure. The team uncovers more and more of the bathhouse as they work, and they are able to piece together a rough idea of what the entire structure might have looked like in its prime.

As the team continues to work, they also unearth the remains of the Edwardian folly. The structure is made up of a series of pillars that were once part of a grand entranceway to the estate. The team is able to piece together the folly using old photographs, and they are excited to uncover such a unique part of the property’s history.

Throughout the episode, the team faces a number of challenges as they attempt to uncover the site’s past. Heavy rain and flooding hamper their progress and make it difficult for them to work efficiently. They also have to contend with a large number of artifacts that they find on the site, including pottery, coins, and even a sarcophagus. Despite these challenges, the team is able to make significant progress towards understanding the history of the property.

The episode concludes with the team reflecting on the significance of their findings. They have uncovered evidence of a grand Roman bathhouse, as well as the remains of an Edwardian folly that was once a prominent feature of the estate. The team is thrilled to have uncovered such a unique piece of history, and they leave the site with a newfound appreciation for the rich history of the area.

Overall, Time Team season 11 episode 2 is an exciting and informative exploration of the past. The team’s work provides insight into the lives of the people who once lived on the property, and helps to shed light on the cultural and historical significance of the area. Through their investigative work, the Time Team continues to make important contributions to our understanding of the past and help us to connect with history in new and meaningful ways.