North Leigh Roman Villa (Oxfordshire, England)

| No Comments | No TrackBacks

North Leigh Roman villa is located in Oxfordshire, England, and is the site of a set of ruins with some surviving floor mosaics. The area was actually occupied in the Iron Age as escavations were uncovered in the 1970s. The villa itself was discovered and escavated in the early 1800s. The villa had its own internal courtyard and was lived in for over 300 years and probably one of the best villas in Roman Britain. It was built around 1AD and lived in until 5AD. The complex had its own bathhouse and quarters for slaves or servants.

northleigh-villa

The most complete mosaic floor discovered here is located on site in situ, and it is open to visitors during certain times of the year. This would have been a hall for entertaining and dining. The mosaic features geometric patterns.

northleigh-villa

Visitors to the site must park up on the main road and then walk down a narrow country farm road to the site. The site is located down a hillside. Sheep graze in one field, and a few horses are kept at the farm at the top. There are views over the site as you walk down the hill. It is approximately a 15-minute walk.

northleigh-villa

The building at the end protects the mosaic floor.

northleigh-villa

Some of the wall is in need of repairs, so it is being protected until the repairs can be made.

northleigh-villa

Various opening times and days allow visitors to see the mosaics. Check with the English Heritage site for more information.

No TrackBacks

TrackBack URL: http://almostafternoon.com/cgi-bin/mt5/mt-tb.cgi/2894

Leave a comment

Archives

OpenID accepted here Learn more about OpenID