Pictures of Lullingstone Roman Villa

in the town of Swanley, in the county of Kent

Lullingstone Roman Villa, detail of mosaic floor.

About Lullingstone Roman Villa

The remarkable remains of Lullingstone Roman Villa lay hidden for centuries, and were only revealed in excavations of 1939. Prior to this it had been thought that a Roman country house had existed in the area, but now it had finally been confirmed, and what a find it proved to be.

The outbreak of the 2nd World War prevented in depth excavations and these were delayed until 1949. The building is believed to have survived since AD 75, with the principle discoveries being the beautiful Mosaic floor of what is thought to have been the Dining Room, and Christian wall paintings found to some of the cellar walls. It is though, the mosaic floor which is the centre of attention; this shows in detail the " Rape of Europa by Jupiter " and " Belleropon riding Pegasus killing the Chimaera " in other areas there is a fire-breathing monster, and faces depicting the four seasons.

Historically the layout is of 26 rooms, and further excavations showed a Mausoleum, shrine, a kitchen and a granary. It is likely that the villa was largely destroyed by fire in the 5th-century. The Romans left Britain in AD410, and there appears to have been no sign that the villa was occupied after AD420.

The building was taken over by the Ministry of Works in 1958, it was covered shortly after and finally opened to the public in 1963. The building is now opened and cared for by English Heritage. Lullingstone Roman Villa gives a fascinating insight into the way wealthy Romans lived, and is well worth a visit.

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Nearby travel help

Eynsford Station	(0.8 miles, 1.3 km)
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