It is unusual for a rural site such as Bancroft to have a sauna complex (laconicum) - since they are usually found only on military sites and public bath houses! This sauna was used in the first half of the second century until it was destroyed around 160 AD.
This sauna was a small easily heated room with a herringbone tiled floor.
Stones were heated on large hearths. When the stones were hot enough water was then poured over the stones to create steam.
Bathers lounged on raised benches and then cooled off in the cold plunge bath when the heat was too much.
Explore the map above!