North Leigh Roman Villa

North Leigh Roman Villa
North Leigh Roman Villa
  • North Leigh Roman Villa is a Ruin located on the River Evenlode, 0.5 mile (1km) north of the village of North Leigh in Oxfordshire, 7 miles from Woodstock.
  • It was the fourth largest Roman Villa in England. Only the foundations and a Mosaic are visible.

Description

  • The Villa rustica was begun in the first century CE and by the fourth century CE, had 60 rooms in three wings around a central courtyard, with the fourth side consisting of a protective wall and gateway.
  • Further buildings extended to the southwest. It fell into disuse in the fifth century CE.
    • 60 rooms in three wings.
    • 16 rooms contained Mosaics.
    • 11 rooms had underfloor Hypocaust heating.
    • 4 bath suites.

Nearby Sites

  • The Ridgeway
    • The Hillforts from west to east: Barbury Castle, Liddington Castle, Uffington Castle and White Horse, Segsbury Camp – The River Thames – Pulpit Hill, Ivinghoe Beacon.
  • Woodstock
    • Oxfordshire Museum, Woodstock
    • The museum holds several Roman Artefacts including a Roman ceramic face pot, the Stoke Lyne Coin Hoard (3rd century CE) and the Tombstone of a retired soldier, Lucius Valerius Geminus (79 CE).
  • Saxon Mound Castle
    • The castle mound is located next to Brailes Hill, which is on private land and is the second highest point in Warwickshire at 761 ft (231m).
    • The Saxon Castle Mound has excellent views over the plain.
  • The Rollright Stones
    • Located at Great Rollright, 15 miles (24km) to the north of North Leigh Roman Villa.
    • They are a Bronze Age Monument consisting of Standing Stones known as the Kings Men Stone Circle, the King Stone and the Whispering Knights Dolmen.

 

Photo and map: North Leigh Roman Villa

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