Roman Activity at the Havant Springs

c. 100 AD

The springs at Havant, fed by underground chalk aquifers from the South Downs, were known to the Romans and likely served as a water source for settlement and agriculture in the area. The spring at Homewell, in what is now the town centre, was particularly significant, producing a steady flow of fresh water that has never been known to fail. Roman pottery and coins have been found in the Havant area, indicating activity in the vicinity, though no major Roman settlement has been identified on the site of the modern town. The springs at Bedhampton, a mile to the west, were also exploited in the Roman period. The reliable water supply provided by these springs would have been a key factor in the location of later settlements.