English Heritage's 3 projects at Oxfordshire Roman villa

Set on the banks of the River Evenlode, the luxurious ‘courtyard villa’ at North Leigh near Witney had 60 rooms and included three bath suites, 16 rooms with mosaic floors and 11 rooms which had under-floor heating.

It is particularly notable for its mosaic floor dating to the early 4th century which was lifted and re-laid in 1929.

The villa, which was abandoned in the 5th century, came with a large agricultural estate with housing for farm workers and possibly slaves.

Life there was very comfortable with access to the best local agricultural products and imported luxuries from sophisticated nearby towns such as Cirencester.

Ed McGregor, free sites partnership manager at English Heritage, said: "2024 will be an exciting year for North Leigh Roman Villa with three projects going on to maintain and conserve the different parts of the site.

"This will culminate in work on the ruins themselves, with an opportunity to come and hear from our specialist contractors about what they’re doing this summer."

When the Roman Villa was first excavated in 1813 by architect Henry Hakewill parts of the mosaic floors were stolen by souvenir hunters within a week.

Hakewill wrote in a guide which was rediscovered in the Blenheim Palace archive in 2021: "The pavement was entire, except a small part... but such was the eager curiosity of the country people who, on the Sunday following the discovery, flocked in crowds to the spot, that before any precautions could be adopted the pavement was much injured."

To protect the mosaic, a thatched building was built by the landowner the Duke of Marlborough. In the early 20th century a corrugated iron roof was added which is being renewed to ensure the important mosaic is protected.

And a small cottage, formerly used by a custodian which may date from around the same time as the Mosaic Building, is getting a makeover and become a store and shelter for volunteers working at the site.

The second phase of works, which weather-depending is due to start in late Spring, will involve repairing the masonry to keep the ruins in a stable condition.

'Soft-capping' will also be increased - placing soil and turf on the tops of the exposed walls - across the site.

The turf absorbs excess moisture which can damage the walls and also provides a layer of insulation from frost.

Mr McGregor said: "I’d encourage the public to look on our website for more information about when our mosaic building will be open this year too as this is the most spectacular part of the villa remains and is opened up by our fantastic team of volunteers on selected dates."