List of Roman villas in England facts for kids

A Roman villa was like a fancy country house or a large farm in ancient Rome. When the Romans came to England, they built many of these villas. These buildings were often the homes of wealthy Roman families or important local people who adopted Roman ways. They usually had several rooms, sometimes with special features like underfloor heating (called a hypocaust) and beautiful mosaic floors.

Archaeologists have found evidence of many Roman villas across England. Each discovery helps us learn more about how people lived during Roman times, what their homes looked like, and how they farmed the land. This list shows some of the Roman villas that archaeologists have confirmed in England.

Bedfordshire: Roman Homes in the East

Bedfordshire has a few interesting Roman villas.

• Colworth Villa: Located near Colworth House, this villa was explored by the TV show Time Team in 2009.
• Totternhoe Villa: Found in Totternhoe, this site gives us clues about Roman life in the area.

Berkshire: Villas by the River Thames

In Berkshire, several Roman villas have been discovered, some with special features.

• Aldermaston Wharf: Only a bath house was found here, showing Romans enjoyed their baths even in smaller settlements.
• Basildon Villa: Located near Lower Basildon, this site was also dug by Time Team in 2000.
• Kintbury Villa: Similar to Aldermaston Wharf, only a bath house was found here.

Buckinghamshire: Big Villas and Lost Treasures

Buckinghamshire is home to some significant Roman villa discoveries.

• Bancroft Villa: Near Milton Keynes, this villa was excavated and covered up again to protect it. A beautiful mosaic floor from this villa is now on display in the Milton Keynes Shopping Centre.
• Stanton Low Villa: Also near Milton Keynes, sadly, this villa was destroyed because of gravel mining.

Cambridgeshire: Farming and Roman Life

Many Roman villas in Cambridgeshire suggest a strong farming presence in the area during Roman times.

• Litlington Villa: This site was explored by Time Team in 2010, giving us a peek into its past.
• Itter Crescent Villa: Found in Walton, Peterborough, this villa was excavated more recently in 2014.

Cheshire: A Single Discovery

So far, only one confirmed Roman villa has been found in Cheshire.

• Vale Royal Villa: Located near Eaton, Rushton, this single discovery is important for understanding Roman presence in this region.

Cornwall: Roman Influence in the Southwest

Even in the far southwest of England, Romans built villas.

• Magor Villa: Found near Illogan, this villa shows that Roman influence reached quite far across Britain.

Derbyshire: A Villa by the Water

Derbyshire has one notable Roman villa.

• Carsington by Wirksworth: This villa is located near Carsington Water, suggesting a connection to water sources or trade routes.

Devon: Coastal and Countryside Villas

Devon's villas are found both near the coast and inland.

• Holcombe Villa: Near Holcombe, East Devon, this site is an example of a Roman villa in the county.
• Honeyditches Villa: Located near Seaton, Devon, this villa might have had connections to coastal activities.

Dorset: Rich Mosaics and Lost Art

Dorset is known for several Roman villas, some with amazing mosaic floors.

• Bucknowle Farm Villa: Near Corfe Castle, this villa is an important archaeological site.
• Druce Farm Villa: Located near Puddletown, this villa was excavated between 2012 and 2015.
• Frampton Villa: This villa, near Frampton, Dorset, is famous for its large and detailed mosaic.
• Halstock Villa: A mosaic was found here in 1817-1818, but sadly, it was destroyed by vandals soon after.
• Hinton St Mary Villa: This site is famous for its unique mosaic featuring an image of Christ.
• Myncen Farm Villa: Near Gussage St Andrew, this villa was dug by Time Team in 2003.

Essex: Villas Across the County

Essex has many Roman villas spread throughout the county.

• Chignall Villa: Located near Chignal St James, this villa provides insights into Roman life in the area.
• Harlow Villa: Near Harlow, this site is another example of Roman settlement.
• Rivenhall Villa: This villa, near Rivenhall, is one of many found in Essex.
• West Mersea Villa: Located on West Mersea island, this villa shows Roman presence even in coastal areas.

Gloucestershire: Many Grand Villas

Gloucestershire is particularly rich in Roman villas, including some very famous ones.

• Barnsley Park Villa: Near Barnsley, Gloucestershire, this is a well-known villa site.
• Chedworth Villa: This is one of the most famous and best-preserved Roman villas in England. It has amazing mosaics, bathhouses, and even a water shrine.
• Frocester Court Villa: Located near Frocester, this villa has been extensively excavated.
• Great Witcombe Villa: Another significant villa in Gloucestershire, known for its impressive remains.
• Kings Weston Villa: Found near Kings Weston, this villa offers more clues about Roman life.
• Spoonley Wood Villa: Near Winchcombe, this villa is hidden in a wood.
• Turkdean Villa: This villa was investigated by Time Team in 1997.
• Waltham Field Villa: Near Whittington, Gloucestershire, this site was also dug by Time Team in 2000.
• Withington Villa: Another villa in Gloucestershire, explored by Time Team in 2005.
• Woodchester Villa: Famous for having one of the largest and most detailed Roman mosaic pavements in Europe.

Greater London: Roman Homes in the Capital Area

Even around what is now London, Roman villas existed.

• Beddington Villa: Found near Beddington, this site was once a Roman villa.
• Crofton Villa: Located in Orpington, this villa is open to the public and gives a great idea of what a Roman home was like.
• Keston Villa: Near Keston, this is another important Roman site in the London area.
• Poverest Road Villa: Only a bath house was found here, showing a smaller Roman settlement.

Hampshire: Villas in the South

Hampshire has many Roman villas, indicating a strong Roman presence.

• Eastleigh Villa: This villa is now located under Southampton Airport.
• Micheldever Wood Villa: Near Micheldever, this is a notable Roman villa site.
• Rockbourne Villa: This is one of the largest known Roman villas in Britain and is open to visitors.
• Sparsholt Villa: Another well-preserved Roman villa in Hampshire.
• Liss Villa: This site was excavated between 2004 and 2007.

Herefordshire: Western Roman Outposts

In Herefordshire, Roman villas show the reach of Roman influence further west.

• Bishopstone Villa: Near Bishopstone, Herefordshire, this villa adds to our understanding of Roman life in the region.
• New Weir Villa: Located near Kenchester, this site is another example.

Hertfordshire: Villas Near Roman Towns

Hertfordshire, close to the Roman town of Verulamium (modern-day St Albans), has several villas.

• Boxmoor Villa: Near Boxmoor, this villa is an important local site.
• Dicket Mead Villa: Located near Welwyn, this site is known for its Roman baths.
• Gadebridge Park Villa: Near Hemel Hempstead, this villa is another significant discovery.
• Lockleys Villa: Also near Welwyn, this villa provides more information about Roman life.
• Northchurch Villa: Found near Northchurch, this villa is part of the Roman history of the area.
• Wymondley Villa: Also known as Ninesprings, this villa is near Hitchin.

Isle of Wight: Island Villas

The Isle of Wight also had Roman villas, showing the Romans settled even on islands.

• Brading Villa: This is a very famous Roman villa on the Isle of Wight, known for its amazing mosaics and well-preserved remains. It's open to visitors.
• Gurnard Villa: Sadly, this villa has eroded into the sea over time.
• Newport Villa: Located near Newport, Isle of Wight, this is another important villa on the island.

Kent: Villas in the Garden of England

Kent, being close to the continent, has many Roman villas.

• Darenth Court Villa: Near Darenth, this villa is a significant site.
• Eccles Villa: Located near Eccles, Kent, this villa has been extensively excavated.
• Folkestone Villa: Found near Folkestone, this villa offers views of the coast.
• Lullingstone Villa: This is a very well-known and important Roman villa, famous for its Christian paintings and rich finds. It's managed by English Heritage and is open to the public.

Leicestershire: Midlands Roman Homes

Leicestershire also has its share of Roman villas.

• Medbourne Villa: Near Medbourne, this villa is one of the notable sites in the county.
• Norfolk Street Villa: Found in Leicester, this shows Roman presence within or near urban areas.

Lincolnshire: Eastern England Villas

Lincolnshire has several Roman villas, some with impressive features.

• Horkstow Villa: Near Horkstow, this villa is known for its beautiful mosaics.
• Winterton Villa: Another villa in Lincolnshire, near Winterton, Lincolnshire, also famous for its mosaics.
• Sudbrooke Villa: This villa was excavated between 2005 and 2007.

Norfolk: Roman Settlements in the East

Norfolk, in East Anglia, has a number of Roman villas.

• Gayton Thorpe Villa: Near Gayton Thorpe, this is a significant Roman villa site.
• Feltwell Villa: One of the Feltwell sites only had a bath house.

Northamptonshire: Villas and Roman Roads

Northamptonshire, with its Roman roads, also has many villas.

• Borough Hill Villa: Near Daventry, this villa is an important site.
• Piddington Villa: Near Piddington, Northamptonshire, this villa has been extensively excavated and is known for its detailed remains.
• Whitehall Farm Villa: Near Nether Heyford, this villa was excavated for many years, from 2000 to 2012.

Nottinghamshire: Roman Life in the Midlands

Nottinghamshire has several Roman villas, showing Roman settlement in this part of the Midlands.

• Car Colston Villa: Near Car Colston, this villa is one of the sites in Nottinghamshire.
• Southwell Villa: Located near Southwell, Nottinghamshire, this villa adds to the Roman history of the area.

Oxfordshire: Villas in the Heart of England

Oxfordshire has many Roman villas, some of which have been explored by archaeologists.

• Ditchley Villa: Near Ditchley, this villa is a well-known site.
• Dropshort Villa: Near Sutton Courtenay, this villa was investigated by Time Team in 2013.
• North Leigh Villa: This is a large and important Roman villa, well-preserved and open to visitors.
• Widford Villa: Near Widford, Oxfordshire, this villa is another example of Roman presence.

Rutland: A Recent Discovery

Rutland, England's smallest county, has a very exciting recent discovery.

• Rutland Villa: Near Ketton, this villa was discovered in 2020 and features an incredible mosaic floor depicting scenes from Homer's Iliad. This is a very important find!

Shropshire: Western Frontier Villas

Shropshire, on the western edge of Roman Britain, also has Roman villas.

• Acton Scott Villa: Near Acton Scott, this villa is one of the sites in Shropshire.
• Whitley Grange Villa: Located near Bayston Hill, this villa is another example.

Somerset: Villas and Roman Baths

Somerset is known for its Roman history, including many villas and the famous Roman Baths in Bath.

• Blacklands Villa: Near Laverton, Somerset, this villa was dug by Time Team in 2006.
• Dinnington Villa: Near Dinnington, Somerset, this site was explored by Time Team in both 2002 and 2005.
• Lopen Villa: Near Lopen, this villa is known for its mosaic.
• Low Ham Villa: Near Low Ham, this villa is famous for its mosaic depicting the story of Aeneas and Dido.
• Somerdale Villa: Located in the grounds of the Somerdale Factory near Keynsham.

Staffordshire: Midlands Roman Outposts

Staffordshire has a few Roman villas.

• Acton Trussell Villa: Near Acton Trussell, this villa is one of the sites in Staffordshire.
• Shenstone Villa: Located near Shenstone, Staffordshire, this villa adds to the Roman history of the area.

Suffolk: Eastern Farming Estates

Suffolk's Roman villas often suggest agricultural activity.

• Castle Hill Villa: Near Castle Hill in Ipswich, this villa was dug by Time Team in 2003.
• Farnham Villa: Near Farnham, Suffolk, only a bath house was found here.
• Stonham Aspal Villa: Near Stonham Aspal, this site also only had a bath house.

Surrey: Villas Near London

Surrey, close to London, has several Roman villas.

• Ashtead Villa: Near Ashtead, this villa is a notable site.
• Titsey Park Villa: Located near Titsey Place, this villa is another example of Roman settlement in Surrey.

Sussex: Southern Coast Villas

Sussex, divided into East and West, has many Roman villas, especially near the coast.

East Sussex: Villas by the Sea

• Eastbourne Villa: Near Eastbourne, this villa shows Roman presence on the south coast.
• Preston Park Villa: Located in Preston Park, Brighton, this villa is an interesting find within a modern park.

West Sussex: Famous Roman Palaces

• Bignor Villa: Near Bignor, this is a very famous and well-preserved Roman villa, known for its large and beautiful mosaics. It's open to the public.
• Fishbourne Roman Palace: This is the largest Roman residence discovered in Britain, more like a palace than a typical villa. It's a major archaeological site and museum, open to visitors.
• Walberton Villa: This villa has been under excavation since 2006, revealing more about its history.

Warwickshire: Central England Villas

Warwickshire has a few Roman villas.

• Radford Semele Villa: Near Radford Semele, this villa is one of the sites in Warwickshire.

Wiltshire: Villas on the Chalk Downs

Wiltshire, with its rolling chalk hills, has many Roman villas.

• Atworth Villa: Near Atworth, this villa is one of the sites in Wiltshire.
• Brixton Deverill Villa: This villa was discovered more recently in 2016.
• Lay Wood Villa: Near Devizes, this villa was discovered in 2013.
• Littlecote Villa: Located in Littlecote Park, this villa is famous for its Orpheus mosaic.
• Netheravon Villa: Near Netheravon, this villa was dug by Time Team in 1996.
• Tockenham Villa: Near Tockenham, this villa was explored by Time Team in 1994.

Worcestershire: Salt and Roman Homes

Worcestershire's Roman villa is connected to its salt production.

• Bays Meadow Villa: Near Droitwich Spa, this villa is located in an area known for its salt production (Salinae in Roman times).

Yorkshire: Northern Roman Villas

Yorkshire, in northern England, also has confirmed Roman villas.

East Riding of Yorkshire: Eastern Villas

• Brantingham Villa: Near Brantingham, this villa is a notable site.
• Rudston Villa: Near Rudston, this villa is known for its mosaics.

North Yorkshire: Northernmost Discoveries

• Aiskew Villa: Near Aiskew, this villa was excavated in 2014-2015.
• Beadlam Villa: Near Beadlam, this villa is a significant Roman site.
• Kirk Sink Villa: Near Gargrave, this villa is another example in North Yorkshire.
• Street House Villa: Near Loftus, North Yorkshire, this villa was excavated in 2012.

South Yorkshire: A Single Site

• Stancil Villa: Near Wadworth, this is the only confirmed Roman villa in South Yorkshire.

West Yorkshire: Western Villas

• Dalton Parlours Villa: Near Collingham, West Yorkshire, this villa is an important site in West Yorkshire.

See also

• List of Roman villas in Wales