Building

A large variety of building materials were used in Roman Kent, especially as more houses, roads and other buildings were built all over the countryside. Although some people who worked on buildings like masons and engineers had special skills, many other people that helped them had other jobs like farming at other times of year. Small units like bricks held together by mortar became more common over time and were used to build things like the Shoreham Bath House. Other building materials included ceramic tiles, stone, flint, plaster, timber and window glass.

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An illustration of a man standing over a hypocaust system made of brick and tile. He wears a red tunic and is holding a large ceramic tile.

Evidence for Roman building techniques and features like hypocausts have been found in archaeological digs across the Darent Valley.

How did building change over time?

During the 2nd and 3rd centuries more and more masonry-built buildings were constructed in Kent. The size of the buildings also increased. In the countryside, buildings like villas became larger and more elaborate with features like hypocausts to provide central heating.

The increase in building from the 2nd century onwards meant that more materials, like stone, had to be quarried. Although roads and buildings in the countryside usually used local stone were possible, sometimes well-known quarries like the ragstone in the Medway Valley were used. Many local chalk quarries were also dug for materials which could be used to make mortar and plaster. Recent excavations at Lullingstone Roman Villa show that Roman chalk pits above the villa were being used. The chalk was probably used in building works at the villa.

Reconstruction drawing of Lullingstone Roman Villa, Kent, in the late 4th century

Activity Idea

DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY

Take on the role of a Roman builder and draw up a plan for a new villa. You could use our plan of Lullingstone Roman Villa to help inspire your design. Think about the kinds of rooms and features that you feel are important to include. Make sure you label the different rooms of your villa and show how you're going to heat and light your villa.

Download our Plan (168 KB)