Conservation at North Leigh Roman Villa
In 2024–5 we are carrying out a major conservation project at North Leigh Roman Villa in Oxfordshire. One of the larger villas of Roman Britain, the site is noted for an early 4th-century mosaic floor, which was lifted and relaid in 1929.
Major conservation and renovation works – enabled by a very generous donation – include a new roof for the building that covers this outstanding mosaic floor, repairs to what was once the site custodian’s cottage, and conservation of the ruins themselves.
The Mosaic Building
The first stage of works, now completed, included installing a new roof on the Mosaic Building. When parts of the Roman villa were first uncovered (1813–16), two of the mosaics disappeared at the hands of souvenir hunters. To protect the remaining mosaic, a thatched building was built by the landowner, the Duke of Marlborough of the Blenheim Estate. In the early 20th century the building was modified with a corrugated iron roof, which over time had deteriorated badly.
The failed roof structure has now been replaced with beautiful green oak trusses and purlins, while the corrugated iron roof has been replaced with new coated corrugated sheeting finished in green. There are larger skylights to increase natural light within the building and improved gutters and downpipes.
While the building was closed, we also took the opportunity to make essential repairs to its semi-drystone walls.
The Custodian’s Cottage
At the same time, repairs have been made to the small cottage at the site, formerly home to a custodian. We don’t know when this cottage was built, but it may date from around the same time as the Mosaic Building. Closed for over 30 years, it has been used primarily as storage space.
The custodian’s cottage has now been refurbished as a hub for our team of over 40 hard-working and dedicated volunteers. Works have included essential repairs to the roof, external and internal repointing, internal replastering, timber and joinery repairs, and redecoration.
These works were completed in July 2024, giving our volunteers a much improved working space.
Conserving the Villa Ruins
The second phase of the works at North Leigh involves the conservation of the Roman ruins themselves, which have become damaged by the effects of the weather, particularly frost.
The work essentially involves conducting repairs to the masonry to stabilise the ruins, repointing open and loose joints, and removing water traps.
The site is now being weeded regularly, avoiding the use of chemicals.
The Blenheim Estate, who own the land, have supported us by bringing materials to the site and providing easier access. We could not have completed the mosaic building renovation without them and are immensely grateful for their help and support throughout the project.
Our amazing volunteers have helped us with a variety of tasks during the project, from maintaining and monitoring the site through to education, hosting open days and more.
Explore more
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The Saltire Mosaic
Find out more about the surviving mosaic at North Leigh and explore details of its design.
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Buildings Conservation
Learn more about some of the techniques we use to care for our buildings, and explore some of the unique projects we’ve carried out in recent years.
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ROMAN BRITAIN
Discover the impact and legacy of the Roman era on the landscape, buildings, life and culture of Britain.
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Conservation in Action
Explore our series of Conservation in Action videos. We go behind the scenes with some of the conservators and craftsmen who are protecting our sites for the future.