History of the Area

Woodchester is home to the world famous Orpheus Roman pavement. This 2,200 sq ft mosaic floor was the centrepiece of a 22 acre palace complex dating from AD 200-400 however it is no longer open to the public. It has never been established why such a building was based in this locality - theories suggest that it was probably the summer palace of the Governor of the western area of England and Wales, conveniently located midway between Cirencester, the local capital and Caerleon, the military base in South Wales. It is interesting to speculate whether the local terroir might have influenced the siting of the palace.

Our Stonehouse site is on Doverow Hill situated on the edge of the Cotswold escarpment. The vineyards are under the hollowed out stone quarry at the top of the hill. In the Domesday book of 1086 there were two vineyards recorded in Stonehouse or Stanhus as it was called then, probably because the houses were made from stone from the quarry.

By the 12th century Gloucestershire was well known for its wines. William of Malmesbury wrote, 

“This county is planted thicker with Vineyards than any other in England, more plentiful in crops, and more pleasant in flavour. For the wines do not offend the mouth with sharpness, since they do not yield to the French in sweetness.”