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The so called Eling Roman Villa is actually in the very north of Yattendon parish. It was discovered in 1863 and details are not as full as one might have hoped. It was apparently of the usual corridor type, but probably somewhat richer than most Berkshire buildings of this period. It contained heated underground hypocaust systems, painted red wall plaster and decorative mosaics (the remains of a blue & white guilloche pattern were found). There were numerous small finds, including a bronze dog. Nearby were other buildings, and an vaulted Roman tomb.

Yattendon has been known by various names: Etingedene (1086), Gettendon (1195), Jetingedon (1223) & Watindeden (1236). The great Norreys family held Yattendon Castle for many years. Sir John Norreys of Ockwells, a Knight of the Shire for Berkshire, had obtained permission to embattle the manor house here in 1448 & to empark some 600 acres. Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon were visitors during the latter years of their marriage. While there, the Queen’s lady-in-waiting, Anne Boleyn, of whom the King was already enamoured, dropped her handkerchief during a dance. It was retrieved by Henry Norreys, thus setting in motion the rumours that led to both he and Anne eventually losing their heads for adultery. Stories are still told in the village of a wealthy family who, fleeing from their Yattendon home during the Civil War, hid a vast fortune in gold down a deep well. It has never been found.