Set in a wooded Cotswold combe, the site was excavated in 1864 and retains a Victorian atmosphere. Over a mile of walls survives and there are several fine mosaics, two bathhouses, hypocausts, a water shrine and latrine. The museum houses objects from the villa, and a 15-minute audio-visual presentation gives visitors an insight into the history of this fascinating place.
Find out what the Romans really did for us at the remains of one of the largest Romano-British villas in the country. Marvel at what they left behind - mosaics, bathhouses and edible snails.
The Romans living at the Villa enjoyed all mod cons. They even had flushing toilets - though not quite as we know them. The Villa's latrine was a wooden bench with a row of holes cut in it placed over the sewer. The flush came from a stone water channel which carried through fresh running water.
Toilet paper, Roman style, came in the shape of sponges on sticks. The cleaning sponges were kept in a pot of salt water when not in use. We do not know if everybody had their own sponge!
Floor tiles take on a whole new meaning in the Villa's Dining Room. You’ll discover the remains of a mosaic to rival those in Pompeii. Though missing in part, the design, which interweaves figures with geometric patterns, will still impress.
Roman dining rooms were divided into two parts – one for eating and the other for entertainment. The entertaining side boasted the more elaborate mosaics and Chedworth is no exception.
