Ancient Venus Revealed: Rare Roman Find Emerges Beneath Bodiam Castle

Bodiam Castle with inset Roman Venus figurine fragment.

May

/ 2026

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A small fragment of a Roman figurine, believed to depict the "backside" of the goddess Venus, has been discovered during ongoing excavations at Bodiam Castle in East Sussex. This intriguing discovery, affectionately nicknamed the "Bodiam Bum," offers a rare and fascinating glimpse into the religious beliefs and daily life of the area's inhabitants long before the iconic 14th-century castle was built.

The excavation is part of the "Bodiam 100" project, a three-year initiative led by National Trust Archaeologist Nathalie Cohen in partnership with the UCL Institute of Archaeology and Archaeology South-East. The project aims to explore the buried history of the landscape surrounding the castle, marking the centenary of the site being bequeathed to the National Trust. While Bodiam Castle itself is widely studied, the earlier use of the surrounding land, particularly near the River Rother, has remained largely a mystery until now.

The fragment of a Venus statue

The fragment of a Venus statue found by volunteer Abigale Winslow. (© National Trust Archaeology)

A Rare Pipeclay Goddess

The Venus fragment, found by volunteer Abigail Winslow, is made from pipeclay and dates back to the 2nd century AD. Experts believe it was produced in Central Gaul and would have originally formed part of a small statuette showing the goddess standing, holding a garment in one hand and touching her hair with the other.

Dr. Matthew Fittock, an expert on ceramic figurines in Roman Britain, noted the significance of the find:

Although depictions of Venus are the most numerous of the pipeclay figurines, they are still relatively uncommon finds in Britain, with this one adding to the collection of over 400 examples known from the province and giving a glimpse into the religious beliefs of some of the people of Roman Bodiam," he commented.

These Venus figurines were often used in domestic shrines or for ritual purposes.

Volunteers and staff set in front of Bodiam Castle.

Volunteers and staff at the Bodiam Castle archaeology dig, 2025 (© National Trust Images/Lucy Evans)

Traces of the Roman Navy

The discovery of the Venus fragment is just one piece of the puzzle. The excavation team has also uncovered evidence pointing to a significant Roman presence in the area, specifically linked to the Roman fleet, the Classis Britannica.

Tiles stamped with the mark of the Classis Britannica have been identified, alongside fragments of pottery, glass, and building materials dating primarily from the 2nd to the 4th centuries. Another notable find is a small sherd from a rare Roman "face pot," a vessel decorated with human features, which, along with the Venus fragment, suggests religious or ritual activity near the river.

Uncovering Bodiam's Hidden Past

The findings at Bodiam highlight the importance of the River Rother in antiquity, likely serving as a navigable route for transporting resources like iron ore. The presence of the Classis Britannica suggests the area was a strategic and active hub during the Roman Empire.

The Bodiam 100 project, which concludes its final digging season this summer, has involved thousands of hours of work from dedicated volunteers and students. Visitors to the site can now view a selection of these Roman artifacts, including the Venus fragment, on display at the Castle Cottage Museum, connecting the medieval majesty of Bodiam Castle with its much older, hidden heritage.

Top image: Bodiam Castle with inset Roman Venus figurine fragment. Source: National Trust/ WyrdLight.com/CC BY-SA 3.0

By Gary Manners