In AD 43, the area of south-east England now known as Surrey became part of the Roman Empire.

The succeeding 400 years saw the development of settlements, roads, industry and a new administrative structure, with the foundation of London providing a new and lasting focus for the people of Surrey.

This book combines both historical and the very latest archaeological evidence with topographical studies to build a vivid picture of life at the time, from villas and coinage to the interrelation of the people who lived there, and their beliefs and customs.The changing face of Surrey’s landscape is charted, and theories relating to the development and eventual decline of Roman Surrey are discussed.

Dr DAVID BIRD has been Surrey County Archaeologist since 1972, and is a founder member of the Association of Local Government Archaeological Officers. He has been closely involved in many excavations, including all the work on the temple site at Wanborough, Surrey. He has published articles on Roman gold mining, the invasion of AD 43 and aspects of the Roman period in south-east England.