ORGANISERS of an open day at Rossett's Roman villa site have revealed that the event has proved very popular.

The open day is taking place at the site of the dig in Rossett tomorrow (Saturday, September 18) and all of the tickets up for grabs have been snapped up by people eager to see for themselves this historically important find.

Here's what you need to know if you are lucky enough to have got a ticket for the event or if you have missed out but want to know more about this historic site and how you can get to see artefacts in the future.

Archaeologists are excavating the site of a Roman settlement, which is thought to date from the early first century to the mid fourth century.

It is the first of its kind to be discovered in north east Wales and archaeologists are excited to see what can be discovered about the lives of the former residents.

Chester and District Standard: Dr Caroline Pudney, Cllr Hugh Jones, Chris Matthews and Rob Jones at the Rossett Roman villa dig, with, inset, some of the finds unearthed Dr Caroline Pudney, Cllr Hugh Jones, Chris Matthews and Rob Jones at the Rossett Roman villa dig, with, inset, some of the finds unearthed

The open day is a unique chance to view the dig, with a number of artefacts already unearthed, including fragments of pottery, bone and stone, a spindle whorl and a coin from the House of Constantine, which dates from 335-341 AD.

The dig is a joint venture between Wrexham Museum, the University of Chester and Archaeology Survey West, with the project being led by Dr Caroline Pudney, an archaeology lecturer from the University of Chester and Steve Grenter from Wrexham Museum.

The University of Chester's archaeology and history department Twitter account has posted a message to confirm that the dig open day is fully booked and organisers look forward to welcoming visitors.

They have also shared that it is hoped that the artefacts uncovered can be displayed in Wrexham Museum in the future, so those who weren't able to get tickets to the open day can still get up close to evidence of Romans living and working in north east Wales.

A spokesperson said: "Thank you to everyone who has registered for a place at the now fully booked #RomanRossett Dig Open Day this weekend. We look forward to seeing you all and we ask that people please only attend if registered. Places went very fast - we’re really sorry if you missed out.

"However we hope to exhibit the finds from the dig @wrexhammuseums in the future. You can sign up for the Museum’s mailing list for info on its exhibitions here https://www.wrexhamheritage.wales/.

"You may also be interested in the Museum’s current exhibition, Hidden Holt: The Story of a Roman Site. For the Open Day, please be aware of current COVID guidelines in Wales."

The open day runs from 10am-4pm, with visitors getting a chance to tour the site, meet the archaeologists and see Roman re-enactors, with activities for children also planned. 

The dig continues until September 25. For updates, including a regular video diary from the dig, look out for the #RomanRossett or #YrOrseddRafeinig hashtags on Twitter and Instagram.