Romans lived at west London garden site

A popular garden and greenhouse attraction in west London has been hiding a 2,000-year-old Roman settlement, it has been revealed.

According to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), Syon Park, which itself has centuries of history, was created on top of Roman ruins that held more than 11,000 artefacts.

The RHS-recommended garden has been in the family of the Duke of Nottingham for approximately 400 years and he explained that the find showed the remarkable and rich history the site boasts.

The Duke added: "The Roman findings are an incredible addition to this legacy and emphasise Syon Park’s place as a prominent landmark in ancient British history."

Excavations have been taking place ever since the first evidence of the settlement was discovered during preparatory work for a hotel development set to be built on the leased land in 2008.

In 2004, TV’s Time Team found the remains of a mediaeval abbey on the estate, which archaeology students have been excavating ever since.

It now seems the gardens are valuable for more than their horticultural magnificence.

Meanwhile, the RHS recently reported that the National Botanic Garden of Wales is to grant free entry to all visitors during January.