This settlement was situated five miles east of the iron mines at Peterstow (SO5624) and eight miles north-east of iron mines at Whitchurch (SO5417) in the Monmouth Hills, a villa lay close to the latter site at Huntsham (SO5617). Acting possibly as the local administrative centre for the local mines in the area, this town would have been very prosperous.

It is clear that the whole Ariconium complex must cover a large area, possibly 250 acres. To the south of the Bollitree to Bromsash Lane there must be several stone built structures, indicated by the large amounts of pottery brought up by the plough together with building stones, whilst to the north a large acreage is covered by furnace sites. So far there is no evidence for regarding Ariconium as a town, and a more realistic picture might be that of a villa estate with other buildings appertaining to a posting station, adjoining an industrial belt. Ariconium might compare with Chesterton  as a small industrial town, but too little of it is known for useful discussion.

The site was excavated by Warwick University assisted by the Hereford & Worcester County Council.

The extensive and fragmented cropmark remains of ditches, roads and enclosures presumed to be associated with the Roman settlement site of Ariconium described by the previous authorities were seen covering an area of c.1square km centred on SO 6451 2375 and mapped from aerial photographs.

Classical References to Ariconium

Ariconium is mentioned in the itinerary of Antoninius as being 15 miles from Gloucester, and has been placed by Horsley in the vicinity of Ross. This ascription is probable rather than certain.

Roman Roads near Ariconivm

N (22) to Blackwardine (Hereford & Worcester) NW (17) to Magnis (Kenchester, Herefordshire) Possible road: NE (6) to Dymock (Gloucestershire) Iter XIII: SW (11) to Blestivm (Monmouth, Gwent) ESE (13) to Glevvm (Gloucester, Gloucestershire)

Sites near Ariconium