Entire Roman Town House
Discover the incredible remains of the Roman Town House. From intact mosaics to underfloor heating, an immersive and tangible encounter with Romans and Ancient Civilisations.
Unique Architecture
Explore the only fully exposed Roman town house in Britain. By walking around the original fourth-century flint walls, youngsters gain a tangible sense of how Ancient Civilisations designed their homes and structured their urban lives.
Step back 1,600 years to explore Britain's only fully exposed Roman Town House and its spectacular ancient mosaics.Education Destination
The Roman Town House offers a remarkable and rare educational opportunity for students during their residential stay in Dorchester. As the only fully exposed example of its kind in the country, the site allows youngsters to step directly into the world of a high-status fourth-century family. Walking around the authentic flint and stone foundations, pupils can clearly see the layout of a grand urban villa, making the study of Romans feel immediate, real, and deeply connected to the local landscape of Dorset.
A major highlight for visiting youngsters is the chance to examine the sophisticated Inventions & Technology used nearly two thousand years ago. The site features an exceptionally well-preserved hypocaust underfloor heating system and intricate geometric mosaics that reflect the wealth and status of its former inhabitants. By observing these engineering marvels, students gain a practical understanding of how Roman urban infrastructure and domestic design influenced the development of British towns and the daily lives of Ancient Civilisations.
Beyond the archaeological remains, the tranquil setting within the grounds of County Hall provides a brilliant stimulus for Literature & Creative Writing. The atmospheric ruins and the visible traces of the dining rooms and courtyards encourage pupils to develop descriptive vocabulary as they envision the sights and sounds of a busy Roman household. Centrally located and easily accessible, a visit here is an essential part of exploring Local History and the enduring legacy of Durnovaria, ensuring that youngsters return to their base with a profound sense of historical discovery.
Ancient Central Heating
The site features an incredibly well-preserved hypocaust system. Pupils can investigate this marvel of Inventions & Technology, seeing first-hand how the Romans used underfloor heating to bring Mediterranean comfort to the colder British climate.
Spectacular Mosaics
Marvel at the intricate geometric mosaics that still decorate the villa floors. These artistic treasures provide a brilliant starting point for discussing Roman status, wealth, and the Myths & Legends that influenced ancient art.
Local Roman Origins
A visit to the town house is essential for understanding Local History. Standing within the ancient walls of Durnovaria, students can see how the Roman occupation fundamentally shaped the layout and development of Dorchester over centuries.
Creative Writing Spark?
The atmospheric ruins and tranquil garden setting serve as a fantastic stimulus for Literature & Creative Writing. Pupils can use the evocative remains to develop descriptive vocabulary as they imagine the sights and sounds of a busy household.