ON THE 
Examination of the Roman Station at Sayhon 
By Mr. Cunnineton, F.G.S. 
N May, 1859, I visited Baydon for the purpose of examining 
the Roman Station near that village. Baydon, about eight 
miles N.E. of Marlborough, is situated directly on the line of the 
great Roman road, the Ermin Street, which, extending from Lon- 
don through Newbury (Spins) and Cirencester (Corinium), con- 
nected the capital with Gloucester and Wales. The original 
constructors of this route conferred a lasting benefit on the country, 
for it continues to be used to the present day. The drovers who 
annually bring cattle from Wales to the large fairs at Barnet, pass 
along this track, possessing as it does the two important advantages 
—a straight road—and freedom from turnpike gates. The station of 
which we have to speak is situated near Botley copse, about a mile 
and a half from Baydon, and about the same distance from Ash- 
down Park, the seat of Lord Craven. Why so remote a spot 
should have been chosen as a place of residence, it is difficult to 
say, unless indeed the very solitude of the place afforded security 
in troublous times. It is situated on a gentle incline, facing the south, 
and surrounded on all sides by a vast expanse of what was, a few 
years since, unbroken down. Recent improvements in agriculture, 
have sadly encroached upon the fine open downs here, as elsewhere 
in the county, and in a few more years these main characteristics 
of Wiltshire scenery will be gone for ever. But although the 
antiquary and the poet will regret their loss, we must console our- 
selves with the utilitarian fact that ere long rich yields of corn 
will be gathered, instead of the scanty sheep-feed which at present 
is the only produce. The centre of the valley itself is occupied by 
one of those singular stream-like deposits of sarsen stones, for 
which this district of Wiltshire is remarkable. This stone has 
