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All the United Kingdom England Gloucestershire Chedworth Roman Villa

Chedworth Roman Villa

Deep in the countryside lie the remains of one of the grandest Roman dwellings in Britain.

Gloucestershire, England

Added By
Alan Newman
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Chedworth Roman Villa, view from northeast.   Public Domain
Multi-purpose heated room at the Roman Villa.   HARTLEPOOLMARINA2014/CC BY-SA 3.0
Part of the floor of the Dining Room of the Roman Villa. The figure in this image is “Winter” and he is wearing a “Birrus Britannicus” or hooded cloak.   Rob Farrow/CC BY-SA 2.0
Mosaic in the Roman Villa.   Christine Matthews/CC BY-SA 2.0
Detail of mosaic in the warm room.   Michael Garlick/CC BY-SA 2.0
Mosaic in the Roman Villa.   Christine Matthews/CC BY-SA 2.0
Mosaic in the Roman Villa.   Christine Matthews/CC BY-SA 2.0
Modern buildings covering excavated parts of the site.   Philip Halling/CC BY-SA 2.0
The warm room.   HARTLEPOOLMARINA2014/CC BY-SA 3.0
Nymphaeum   Public Domain
Channel type hypocaust. In this variety the hot air wafts down channels under the floor.   Rob Farrow/CC BY-SA 2.0
The ruins of one of the largest Romano-British villas in the country.   Graham Hogg/CC BY-SA 2.0
Pool on site of the Roman Villa.   Christine Matthews/CC BY-SA 2.0
Mosaic of the stylised seasons in the Roman baths.   Michael Garlick/CC BY-SA 2.0
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This fantastic Roman villa is one of the largest in Britain, tucked away down long winding roads in the picturesque countryside just north of Chedworth. The highlights of this ancient site are the many fine mosaics that rival any in the U.K. (and many in Europe), as well as the remarkable underfloor heating systems.

The stone villa was first built in the early 2nd century and expanded in the 4th century. The luxurious features and precious marble mosaics lead archaeologists to believe the dwelling belonged to a very wealthy and high-status Romano-Briton family.

The 4th-century home included an underfloor heated west wing, where the dining room with a magnificent mosaic floor was located. The villa had not one but two separate heated bath houses, one for damp heat like a Turkish bath and one for dry heat like a sauna. The remains of both can be seen at the site, as well as a courtyard and spring-fed nymphaeum pool.

The villa was discovered in 1864, and is currently preserved by the National Trust. After 100 years and much intense study, the ancient ruins continue to mystify archaeologists, who debate as to whether the site was a private wealthy farm or some kind of religious pilgrims' guest house. 

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Roman Villas Ruins Archaeology Ancient History Preservation

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Dr Alan P Newman

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Meg

  • Meg

Published

October 25, 2017

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Chedworth Roman Villa
Gloucestershire, England
United Kingdom
51.8201, -1.9245

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Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Gloucestershire

Gloucestershire

England

Places 10
Stories 2

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Photo of Gloucestershire

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Stories 2

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