A talk by Rod Sheldon, hosted by Smarden Local History Society.

Built in about AD 100, the villa at Lullingstone was a luxurious family home with all the hallmarks of Roman wealth and prosperity. Now situated under a protective roof, with coloured lighting filling the former rooms and cellars, these atmospheric remains offer an insight into life at the height of empire in Roman Britain.

Discovered in 1939 on the slopes of the west bank of the River Darent, excavations revealed a villa complex with rich mosaic tiled floors, a granary, shrine, kitchen and mausoleum. The villa was in use until around 420 AD when a fire destroyed much of the main building. In about 360 AD the northern rooms of the villa were converted into a Christian chapel with fine plaster wall paintings.

The evidence of the Christian church is a unique discovery for Roman Britain and the wall paintings are of international importance.

Roman Villa Borg. An authentically reconstructed Roman villa in Saarland, Germany in the former site of an actual one discovered in the 80s.

So why not join Smarden Local History Society on May 15th from the usual time of 6:45 pm at The Charter Hall when Otford and District Historical Society’s Rod Sheldon will tell us the fascinating story of this remarkable villa. Guests are as always very welcome.