104 



ON THE 



(Examination of \\t Jioman Station at c §ai)tion. 



By Mr. Cunnington, F.G.S. 



JN" May, 1859, 1 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 (Spinse) 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 



