Cernimus exemplis oppida posse mori.
Nor grieve at our own fate, since here we see
That towns themselves must die as well as we.
Before the eastern gate of Sorbiodunum, a branch of the Roman way.Roman way proceeds eastward to Winchester, which has never yet been observed: upon this goes part of the XVth imperial journey in these words; Venta Belgarum, Brige, Sorbiodunum. This way passes the river Bourn at Ford: the ridge of it is plain, though the countrymen have attacked it vigorously on both sides with their ploughs: we caught them at the sacrilegious work, and reprehended them for it: then it goes between Clarendon park, and the camp of Chlorus before described: on the whole length of Farley common it is very conspicuous, made of hard matter dug up all along on both sides; then ascends the hills at Winterslow, which signifies the white hill; then through Buckholt forest, where with good heed the course of it may be followed, though through by-ways, pastures, woods and hedges; sometimes running the length, sometimes crossing it: a little northward of West Titherley it goes close by a farm-house and large barn upon a rising ground, and at the edge of a wood. This is the proper distance of eight miles from Sorbiodunum, and was the ancient Brige.Brige; and Roman antiquities are often found here: the British name imports a town upon the top of the hill; brege, cacumen.
Nunc situs informis premit & deserta vetustas. Hor.
All this country being part of the Conqueror’s new forest, this colony of the Romans shared in that great depopulation he made for his diversion. It is near the brink of that woody hill, called Horseshoe wood from its being upon a hill, overlooking Broughton upon the river Wallop, where Mr. Camden places the Brige. A little way farther upon the same brink, on an apex of the hill, stands a large Celtic barrow, ditched about, called Bols turret:[137] there are several other barrows thereabouts, and probably some Roman; for the Roman road, here called the Cause-way, proceeds upon this edge to the river at Bossington, though sometimes intercepted by corn-fields, where the common road goes about, and then falls into it again: it passes over the river at Bossington, then marches directly to Winchester west gate.
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SORBIODVNVM.
1. Aug. 1722.
The View.