Chedworth Roman Villa reopens after £3m refurbishment

Chedworth Roman Villa reopened its doors to the public this March, following a £3m refurbishment by the National Trust, hoping to offer the ultimate Roman experience to one and all. 

Chedworth Roman Villa [Credit: National Trust]

The new development will allow visitors to marvel at recently excavated mosaics not seen for 150 years, as well as watch archaeologists at work and experience the full scale of life as a 4th century villa owner in the environmentally-controlled conservation shelter. 

What’s more, the on-site and Victorian built museum has also been reopened, giving visitors the chance to see a wide range of recovered artefacts from the Roman period. In addition, guests can explore the north bath-house, the water shrine and even see the Roman under floor heating system. 

The Heritage Lottery Fund provided some funding for the development, and is responsible for the new café and refurbished visitor centre. The project also received funding from a number of National Trust supporter groups, individuals and organisations. 

Property manager, Janet Gough, said: ‘Interest in Chedworth is growing all the time. We are welcoming more school groups to the new Salway Learning Room, and with archaeologists returning in the summer to complete the excavation, we’re expecting an exciting year.’ 

Source: SoGlos [March 21, 2012]