Roman 1

Coins

Coins are the best indicators of human presence and they are easily datable.

A coin of Postumus was found in 1881 (260-269), also a a coin of Diocletian,

inscribed IMP. C.DIOCLETIANUS PI AUG and on the reverse SPES PUBLICA S P.
Diocletian ruled from (284-305). Of course our evidence for these coins comes
from the Rev. Prebendary Scarth a very reliable source and there are reports of
coin discoveries all over the Vale of Wrington.

And as a pig of lead was found in Wookey dating from Claudius' days we can safely
assume that there was a Roman presence in Wrington from A.D. 46. This is confirmed
by the find of a first century brooch near a footbridge over the Brook Wangwell.

First datable coin is definitely Antoninus Pius, one of the most ubiquitous coin of the Roman Empire and the easiest to recognise.

A coin of Constantine was found by Trevor Wedlake on his property

Helena Augusta coin found in Mr. Clement's field near Branches Cross

Magnentius coin found near the Bowling Green

and a clipped silver siliqua found near Iwood

Constantine ruled from 306-337, he was elected by the army after his father
died at Eboracum, now York. He was converted to Christianity and established
the Christian Church as the state religion. He was probably very much
influenced by his mother who was a professed Christian, Constantine made her
an Augusta.

After Constantine's death, three of his sons ruled the empire. One of them
Constans, ruled the European part. In 350 he fell victim to a palace conspiracy and he
was followed by one of his generals Magnentius.

Constantine's other son, Constantius II refused to accept him and he defeated
him at Mursa in the Balkans in September 351 and at Lyons two years later.

Constantinus II was followed by an emperor called Julian who tried to restore the
old Roman gods. However he was soon murdered and was followed by Valentininan who
ruled eleven years.

Thus we have a long record of Roman rule in Wrington supported by numismatics.
It spans four centuries. Until further coins come to light we cannot expand our
knowledge of Roman Wrington.