Open Day - Barcombe Roman Villa

In 1999 a geophysical survey near Barcombe revealed something remarkable - the foundations of a Roman villa, thought to date back to 250AD. Archaeologists have been busy excavating the site ever since. From the shape of the foundations they have found, it is clear that the building had an East wing and a West wing, connected by a long corridor. Nearby they discovered a suite of Roman baths. The inhabitants of the building enjoyed quite a view, across the Ouse Valley to the Downs.

The open day today gives you a chance to witness the archaeologists at work. “The excavation of Barcombe Villa is of particular interest as it has revealed a long history of development on the site, from first century 'Iron Age type' timber roundhouses, to a rectangular building with masonry wall footings and finally to a large and luxurious house," says David Rudling, lecturer in archaeology at the University of Sussex.
"There is still much to be learnt about the Roman and Saxon occupation of this interesting site and our courses and follow-on volunteering opportunities are ideal ways for people to get involved in practical archaeology.” If you are interested in the practical side of archaeology details will be available on how to join an archeology course run by the college in the autumn. AG