History of Southampton construction of the reservoir. Further Bronze Age finds have been made near Cobden Bridge. Iron Age earthworks have been found at Lordswood and Aldermoor and evidence of Iron Age buildings has been found in the City Centre. Antonine Itinerary VII documents the Roman settlement of "Clausentum" in Roman Britain as being West of Noviomagus Reginorum (Chichester) and from Venta Belgarum (Winchester). In about 1770, John Speed claimed that "Clausentum" was in the area that is now known as Bitterne Manor. In 1792, the Rev. Richard Warner investigated those claims and found a ditch, a bank and some Roman coins. Since
Venta Silurum which was located on the Roman road between "Isca Augusta" (Caerleon) and "Glevum" (Gloucester) and close to the Severn estuary, was - in contrast with nearby "Isca" - essentially established for civilian administration rather than for military purposes. Initially Venta had a forum and basilica. By the early part of the 2nd century, during the reign of Hadrian, the "civitas" had begun construction work on a market place and developing centre of local government. Public baths and shops, including a blacksmiths, were built about the same time. Remains of farms and dwellings, some with courtyards, have also been excavated. A