The private house is generally thought of as the poor relation in Argentomagus. The house of Quintus Sergius Macrinus, discovered in 1970, extends over the centre of the town.

The walls which remain measure 32 by 20 metres. The dwelling comprises at least three rooms, one of which was heated by a hypocaust on small pilae.

The wall coating shows evidence of paint, leading us to assume that the internal walls were decorated.

Download Real Alternative

Another house was revealed during the construction of the museum in the crypt where it is still preserved. Built during the course of the first half of the 2nd century, it was abandoned at the beginning of the 3rd century. It was constructed on three levels - two rooms in the basement, a ground floor and at least one floor above - and is buttressed partially with strong supporting walls.

We know very little of how these houses would have been equipped, only that it is usual to find hypocaust heating systems installed.No fragment of glass has been recovered and analysis of items found in the houses would suggest the the only form of lighting was by terracotta oil lamps and wax or tallow candles.

Of the doors, only a few metal accessories survive - hinges rotating around an axis, strap hinges, bolts and some rare lock plates - although a good number of iron keys have been discovered.