Romano-Celtic temples were built to meet the spiritual needs of the communities they served by venerating the god or spirit considered to dwell in a particular place. The temple building was regarded as the treasure house of its deity and priests rather than as a congregational building and any religious activities, including private worship, communal gatherings, sanctuary and healing, took place outside.

Romano-Celtic temples included the temple building and a surrounding sacred precinct or temenos which could be square, circular, rectangular or polygonal in ground plan. The temple building invariably faced due east and was the focus of the site, although it did not necessarily occupy the central position in the temenos. It comprised a cella, or inner temple chamber, an ambulatory or walkway around the cella, and sometimes annexes or antechambers. The buildings were constructed of a variety of materials, including stone, cob and timber, and walls were often plastered and painted both internally and externally. Some temenoi enclosed other buildings, often substantial and built in materials and styles similar to those of the temple; these are generally interpreted as priests' houses, shops or guest houses.

Romano-Celtic temples were built and used throughout the Roman period from the mid first century AD to the late fourth/early fifth century AD, with individual examples being used for relatively long periods of time. They were widespread throughout southern and eastern England, although there are no examples in the far south west and they are rare nationally with only about 150 sites recorded in England. In view of their rarity and their importance in contributing to the complete picture of Roman religious practice, including its continuity from Iron Age practice, all Romano-Celtic temples with surviving archaeological potential are considered to be of national importance.

Despite the damage caused to part of the site by treasure hunters, the Romano-Celtic temple complex 385m west of Long Common survives comparatively well. Partial excavation has demonstrated that the monument not only contains archaeological remains relating to its development and use over a period of some 300 years but also represents a unique example in Roman Britain of the transfer of power from one temple to another. Furthermore, the wheeled head-dresses recovered from the site are also without parallel and, together with other items of priestly regalia, represent one of the most significant collections of religious artefacts to be recovered from Roman Britain, thereby contributing towards our understanding of the religious practices of the Romano-Celtic world.

Alan Norris, Normandy Historians
March 2026

Source: Historic England = Wanborough Romano-Celtic Temple