The small Cambridgeshire village where an ancient Roman burial ground once stood

The village pub is named after the ancient Roman burial ground

The Romans once had a stronghold over Cambridgeshire, as they did in many places across Britain. Over the years, there have been Roman artefacts uncovered across the county.

In the small village of Bartlow, there are the remains of one of Cambridgeshire’s most important Roman finds. The village is home to Bartlow Hills, a rare Roman cemetery. Dating back to the 1st and 2nd centuries AD, the cemetery features ancient burial grounds known as ‘tumuli’.

It’s considered the largest surviving mound standing at 50ft, and the highest Roman barrow north of the Alps. Four of the original seven burial grounds can still be seen today. The public are able to see the largest three, while the other remaining one, which is the smallest, is based on private property. The remnants of two others are visible, but these are lower mounds.

During the 19th century, excavations took place at the site. Through this, walled graves containing human cremains with glassed items were found stored in large wooden chests. The glassed items found were made of bronze, enamel and pottery. An iron folding chair was also found.

A small 4th century Roman villa was also located on the site of Bartlow Hills. Excavations of this site took place in 1852. A geophysical survey was conducted in 2006 and further excavations took place in 2007, however this work still couldn’t establish the location of the villa.

As well as its significant Roman history, Bartlow stands as a tiny Cambridgeshire village today. It is home to only around 110 people and features around 40 houses. The average prices of houses in the village range between £580,000 to £800,000. A main attraction in the village is the local pub. The Three Hills, which opened in 1847, is also a hotel. It’s named after the ancient burial grounds.

On the pub website, it says: “This delightful 17th century Grade II listed building is located in the heart of Bartlow, and is the only remaining pub and community facility in a small village of only 110 residents.”

The dog-friendly pub offers a large patio to enjoy drinks on hot summer days, or when it gets a bit colder, the snug is the “perfect haven for hiding out on a cold winter’s evening”.