The National Lottery Heritage Fund has awarded nearly £250,000 to bring to life a new visitor experience at Crofton Roman Villa, as part of the upcoming refurbishment.
The new interactive and educational displays will expand on the current history told at the ancient site through interpretation panels, wall murals, window graphics and a handling collection. The site is the only Roman villa open to the public in Greater London, with the funding helping to ensure that more residents and visitors can learn from and enjoy the ancient monument for generations to come.
The educational displays are central to the wider restoration of the site, which also includes a new roof and accessible toilets. Works are set to commence in early 2026 and expected to be completed in the summer.
Councillor Yvonne Bear, Executive Councillor for Renewal, Recreation and Housing, said: “Thanks to the support of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, for the first time we will be telling the whole story of the Crofton Roman Villa. This covers its origins as an Iron Age hut to its glory in the centre of a huge estate in Roman Britain, right through to its rediscovery in the twentieth century after it was lost during the fall of the Roman Empire. This project is about ensuring residents get the most out of their visits to learn about the incredible history of this ancient site, which is such a proud part of the borough’s heritage.”
Stuart McLeod, Director of England - London and South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “We’re delighted to support this project to bring to life the fascinating heritage of the Crofton Roman Villa. It is a truly unique site and thanks to National Lottery players, this project will create an engaging, accessible experience for visitors of all ages. It offers a fantastic opportunity to connect people with the rich heritage in Orpington and the wider Bromley borough and ensure this remarkable place continues to inspire for generations to come.”
Following its origins as an Iron Age hut dwelling, Crofton Roman Villa was a Romano-British farmstead at the centre of a 500-acre estate, which was inhabited from about 140 to 400 AD. Today the remains of 10 rooms are protected inside a public viewing building, which include tessellated tiled floors and the ancient under-floor heating system, known as a hypocaust.
Plans for the site follow engagement sessions ran earlier this year, with residents thanked for the feedback provided. Planning approval was also granted in connection with the upcoming refurbishment following the decision of a Bromley Planning committee in September.
Crofton Roman Villa was open for school visits over the summer, which will continue after refurbishment, with the centre having also been open for visitors as part of Open House Festival in September.
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For media enquiries, please contact James George, Senior Public Affairs Officer, on 020 8313 4565 or email james.george@bromley.gov.uk.
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About The National Lottery Heritage Fund
Our vision is for heritage to be valued, cared for and sustained for everyone, now and in the future. That’s why as the largest funder for the UK’s heritage we are dedicated to supporting projects that connect people and communities to heritage, as set out in our strategic plan, Heritage 2033. Heritage can be anything from the past that people value and want to pass on to future generations. We believe in the power of heritage to ignite the imagination, offer joy and inspiration, and to build pride in place and connection to the past.
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