Roman Town House, Dorchester

The Roman Town House in Dorchester is a fourth-century residence with two main sections featuring original stone walls and mosaic floors that have survived. A modern protective structure of steel and glass now covers the excavated foundations to shield them from the elements.

This house was likely home to a wealthy family in Roman times and remained hidden underground until excavations in 1937 brought it to light. The discovery prompted changes to nearby County Hall construction plans to preserve the ancient remains rather than demolish them.

The mosaic floors and wall decorations reveal how wealthy Romans lived in provincial Britain and what artistic styles they valued. These ornaments offer insight into the taste and prosperity that marked daily life in a settlement like this.

Access to the site is free and open to all visitors, with the Dorset Museum occasionally organizing tours to view the interior sections. You should know that the outdoor site's accessibility depends on weather conditions, so sturdy shoes are advisable.

The West Range contains rooms 8 through 18 with their original mosaic floors preserved beneath a contemporary roof built directly upon the Roman foundations. This unusual arrangement shows how archaeologists balanced protecting the ancient structure while keeping it visible to visitors.

Location: West Dorset

Location: Dorchester

GPS coordinates: 50.71740,-2.44100

Latest update: December 13, 2025 11:40