Wickham: Roman Remains and Building History

If you’re looking for a hotel in Wickham, the area’s history can provide a specific theme for your stay. The topics range from the Roman settlement and Ermin Street to a possible trace of a medieval building and the building history of Wickham House and St Swithun’s Church. Different kinds of local connections come together here: coin finds, a road route, a cautiously interpreted building feature and distinctive architectural details. This offers a way to place Wickham in the context of several historical periods.

Roman Settlement and Road Route

Coin finds suggest that the Roman settlement in Wickham was active from the early 1st century AD until the end of the Roman period. Activity reached a clear peak in the late 4th century AD. The two dates serve different purposes: the longer span describes the settlement’s presumed period of existence, while the later peak marks a period of particularly intensive activity.

A section of the Roman road Ermin Street ran through the grounds of Wickham House. A possible junction between Ermin Street and the Roman road to Bath is also thought to have been near the centre of the present-day village. These are two distinct local connections: a section of road on the grounds of Wickham House and a possible junction near the present-day village centre. The roads therefore point to different places in Wickham and are not equally certain.

Finds on the Grounds of Wickham House

Excavations on the grounds of Wickham House between April and June 2025 uncovered Roman pottery, slag and hammer scale—evidence of ironworking—as well as a spindle whorl in Trench 1. In Trench 2, a paved area made of large flints was found. The paved area may have been the floor of a medieval building located on the Roman road. This possible interpretation links a later layer of building history with the older road connection.

Wickham House and Its Alterations

Wickham House is a former rectory dating from the early 19th century and has three storeys. Rev. William Nicholson remodelled it in the Gothic style and added a conservatory and a stone spire that was taller than the church tower. Its building history therefore includes both its original function as a rectory and specific alterations to the building. The three storeys and the spire rising above the church tower represent two distinct features: the form of the house and a striking addition to its silhouette.

St Swithun’s Church on Wickham Hill

St Swithun’s Church stands at the summit of Wickham Hill, dates from the 12th century and was built onto a much older Saxon watchtower. Its tower contains Roman dressed stone, as well as a column on the north side. Papier-mâché elephants are housed in the roof structure of the north aisle. Unlike Wickham House, whose building history highlights the remodelling of a former rectory, the church brings together its medieval structure, its connection to the older tower, Roman stonework and an unusual detail in the roof structure.

Information for Church Visitors

Visitors are always welcome at the churches of the West Downland Benefice, including Welford with Wickham. As visiting arrangements can change, check the latest guidance from the relevant church before your visit. This will help you take the general visitor information into account when planning a visit to a specific church.

Discover more destinations: Reading, Chieveley, Midgham, Wasing, Hungerford, East Ilsley, Thatcham, Winnersh.

For the main travel overview: Berkshire.