Research, Reports and Publications
Academic studies, scientific analysis, and publications documenting the Roman villa at East Wear Bay and its significance.
The Folkestone Roman Villa: Architectural Development and Spatial Analysis
Authors: Richards, E., Wilson, J., Chen, S., & Patel, R.
Journal: Britannia, Vol. 56, pp. 143-178
This paper presents the results of the 2022-2024 excavations at the East Wear Bay Roman villa, focusing on the architectural phasing and spatial organization of the complex. Using a combination of traditional archaeological methods and digital documentation techniques, we propose a revised chronology for the site's development from the late 1st century through the 4th century CE. The paper highlights the villa's unusual coastal location and discusses its role in cross-channel trade networks between Britain and Gaul.
Grey Literature Reports
Folkestone, East Wear Bay Roman villa: Interim report on excavations 2011
Author: Keith Parfitt
Published by: Canterbury Archaeological Trust Ltd
This interim report presents the findings from the 2011 excavation season at the East Wear Bay Roman villa site, including initial discoveries of the villa's structural remains and preliminary dating evidence.
EAST WEAR BAY FOLKESTONE ARCHAEOLOGICAL CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLAN
Authors: Keith Parfitt and Andrew Richardson
Published by: Canterbury Archaeological Trust Ltd
A comprehensive conservation management plan for the East Wear Bay archaeological site, outlining strategies for preservation, research priorities, and management of the site in the face of ongoing coastal erosion.
Note: PDFs can be viewed directly in your browser or downloaded for offline reading.
Publications
Folkestone to 1500: A Town Unearthed
Editor: Ian Coulson
ISBN: 9781870545273
Published by: Canterbury Archaeological Trust
A comprehensive account of Folkestone's archaeology and history from prehistoric times to 1500 AD. This book brings together the results of numerous excavations and research projects to tell the story of the town's development.
Available for purchase directly from Canterbury Archaeological Trust for £14.99. Please contact us to request a copy.
Investigating economic models and cultural exchange through a zooarchaeological perspective: analysis of the faunal assemblage from the Iron Age port settlement and Roman villa at East Wear Bay, Kent, England
Author: Katharine Steinke
Published in: Edinburgh Research Archive: Archaeology thesis and dissertation collection
A detailed zooarchaeological analysis examining economic models and cultural exchange patterns through the study of animal remains from the East Wear Bay site.
More Classis Britannica Tiles from East Wear Bay, Folkestone
Author: Adrian Weston
Published in: Archaeologia Cantiana, 2017: 301-08
Analysis of stamped tiles from the Roman naval fleet (Classis Britannica) discovered at the East Wear Bay site, providing evidence for military connections.
Quern Production at Folkestone, South-East Kent: An Interim Note
Author: P. T. Keller
Published in: Britannia, Volume 20, November 1989, pp. 193-200
Evidence for the production of rotary querns at Folkestone during the Iron Age and Roman periods, highlighting the site's industrial importance.
Roman Folkestone. A Record of Excavation of Roman Villas at East Wear Bay
Author: S. E. Winbolt
Published by: Methuen & Co., Ltd., London
The original excavation report from the 1920s documenting the discovery and initial investigation of the Roman villa at East Wear Bay.
Republican Dressel 1 Amphorae from East Wear Bay, Folkestone
Author: Adrian Weston
Analysis of Roman Republican period wine amphorae from the site, providing evidence for early trading connections with the Mediterranean.
Research Data
As part of our commitment to open archaeology, we make our research data publicly available through our digital repository.
3D Models Archive
Download 3D models of artefacts, architectural features, and site recordings from the East Wear Bay excavations.
Excavation Database
Access our excavation database with context records, finds catalogues, and stratigraphic information from 2015-2024.
Environmental Data
Environmental sampling data including pollen, soil chemistry, and paleobotanical analysis from the villa site.
Coastal Erosion Monitoring
Datasets from our coastal erosion monitoring program, including digital elevation models and erosion rate calculations.