Win a luxury break for two in Edinburgh, at The Balmoral

Where Was I?

That day I was buzzing. We were heading to the site of a mysterious but substantial Roman town that hasn’t been extensively excavated — despite a sensational discovery there in the last century. Before that, however, Friend and I had agreed to stop at the modern town centred 1½ miles west of it.

Well, I say modern. It, too, has ancient roots, as well as some fine coaching inns. But these days it’s best known for another kind of staging post. Founded in the 1840s it’s been a launchpad for all kinds of illustrious careers, and — let’s be blunt — a dastardly one, too. Friend and I wandered the perimeter and pondered the artful subterfuge of that former resident.

Then it was time for the Romans. Or so I thought. “Actually, do you mind if we go for a walk first?” asked Friend, and drove me to a wood two miles southwest of the town’s centre. It had once been part of a forest that in the 16th century was owned by a lord protector. “Actually I’m not hunting trees or a king’s uncle,” Friend said. “My quarry is something different.”

He explained that there is rock-solid evidence linking this place to a second ancient monument 15 miles south-southwest of us, and we found plenty of it scattered among the trees. Amazing — even more exciting, in fact, than the Roman town. “You do realise there’s only one place we can go after this,” Friend said.

I had to agree. But I wasn’t happy. He had, after all, killed my Roman plans stone dead. “Traitor,” I muttered, as we headed back to the car.

— Sean Newsom

Last week’s prize

The answers are Ickworth House and St Edmund. Gail Lilley of Derbyshire wins a luxurious wellness retreat for two at Grantley Hall in North Yorkshire.

1 What’s the name of the Roman town?

2 What’s the name of the second ancient monument?