Crownthorpe Temple (Wicklewood)

Settlement and Temple Or Shrine

The Crownthorpe Roman Temple is a Romano-Celtic religious site located near Wicklewood, approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 km) northwest of Wymondham in Norfolk, England. It is a scheduled monument and was first identified in 1959 through cropmark analysis, followed by a partial excavation later that year.

Crownthorpe Temple Structure

The excavation revealed the remains of a rectangular temple measuring approximately 15 meters (49 ft) north to south and 17 meters (56 ft) west to east. At its core was a cella—an inner chamber—about 8.5 meters (28 ft) square, built with mortared flint rubble. The interior walls were plastered and decorated with a red background featuring yellow and black designs. In the center, the base of a statue, approximately 1.8 meters (5 ft 11 in) in diameter, was discovered, suggesting the presence of a religious figure. Fragments of a mosaic floor and a clay hearth were also found within the temple. The temple faced east. (Type I)

Surrounding the cella was an ambulatory (a covered walkway), which was widest on the east side, indicating the location of the entrance.

Surrounding Area

The temple likely served a nearby settlement, as numerous Roman artifacts—including pottery, coins, brooches, and figurines—dating from the 1st to 4th centuries AD have been discovered in the area. Some of the more elaborate brooches may have been votive offerings. Evidence of Roman metalworking has also been found nearby, with remnants of slag and scrap metal suggesting industrial activity. Additionally, pre-Roman finds, including Iron Age coins and metal objects, indicate that the site was inhabited before the Roman period.