Crofton Roman Villa

Crofton Road
Orpington
Kent
BR6 8AF


About the Villa

The Crofton Roman Villa house was inhabited from about AD140 to 400 and was the centre of a farming estate of about 500 acres. Nearby would have been farm buildings, surrounded by fields, meadows and woods. The house was altered several times during its 260 years of occupation and at its largest probably had at least 20 rooms. The remains of 10 rooms can be seen today, now within a modern cover building. Two rooms contain the remains of their opus signinum (concrete) floors, and three have evidence of tessellated (tiled) floors. Details of the under-floor central heating (hypocaust) can be seen, which features both channelled and pillared systems.

What's provided at the Villa

  • Guided talks by archaeologists
  • Taped commentary about the villa
  • Graphic display, including photographs of the 1988 excavation, how the hypocaust worked
  • Plans and map
  • Touch table with a selection of Roman finds from the excavation for handling
  • Replica Roman everyday objects, including a range of pots, jewellery and games
  • Roman soldier 'rubbings'
  • Mosaic making - trays with coloured 'tesserae' and patterns for mosaic making
  • Quiz booklet for children, including pictures to colour
  • Sales desk including guide book, postcards, souvenirs and books on local archaeology
  • Special facilities for booked school and group visits
  • Access for people with disabilities

    The site was fully excavated by the Kent Archaeological Rescue Unit which also carried out the complete preservation scheme, with funding provided by Bromley Council. The Unit now manages the scheme in conjunction with the Council. There is a Romano-British bath house and Anglo-Saxon cemetery in Poverest Road, Orpington, arrangements to visit can be made through Bromley Museum.

     

    Opening Times
    (2006 times)
    April to October: Wednesdays and Fridays 10.00am - 1.00pm & 2.00pm - 5.00pm, Sundays 2.00pm - 5.00pm.
    Bank Holiday Mondays: 10.00am - 1.00pm & 2.00pm - 5.00pm
    Last entry 4.30pm.

    Admission Charges
    (2006 prices)
    Adults 80p; Children 50p; Special schools workshop £2.00.
    Access for people with disabilities

    Directions
    Bus routes 61, 208 & 353.
    Car parking available off York Rise.
    Show map of Crofton Roman Villa...

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