Crofton Roman Villa, Orpington

"...The only Roman Villa in Greater London open to schools..."

OPEN: April untill October 2020 (Dates to be confirmed)

Ten rooms of this Roman villa-house are on view with the remains of an extensive system (under-floor central heating) in five rooms and evidence of opus signinum (concrete) and tessellated (tiled) floors. With graphic displays, models, Touch Table and activities for children.

Schools are cordially invited to visit the Crofton Roman Villa. Facilities are designed for to meet the National Curriculum and are targeted at Key Stage 2. The very popular Roman Villa Activity Workshops are available April to October.

Booking a School Visit

For further information and to book a visit please contact

Catherine Horne:

Telephone: 07805 138465

Email: crofton.roman.villa@gmail.com

• Teachers can preview the Villa during normal opening hours (April to October: Wednesdays and Fridays: 10am to 3.30pm and Sundays: 1st in the month only: 2 to 4.30pm), free of charge

• During your visit booklets, postcards and souvenirs are on sale at the Villa shop (most items are £2 or under)

• To save time during your visit "Roman" packs can be ordered at the time of booking. Packs cost either £1 each (two postcards, an activity booklet, a logo pen and pencil) or £2 each (as above plus a replica Roman coin and a second activity booklet)

• Free transport is available for Greater London schools using public buses or tramlink. Phone 0343 222 1000 or email schoolparty@tfl.gov.uk

Ideal for School Projects

If your school is unable to make a class visit (or even if you do!) children and families are welcome to visit during normal opening hours (see above)

Facilities and activities are designed for children undertaking school projects. 

These include:

• Graphic displays on Roman life — the villa, food, clothes, boys and girls, toys and games, mosaics and soldiers
• Activities include Roman games, dressing up, brass rubbing and mosaic making
• Special events for children are held in the holidays

Please do send for information leaflets for your class.

Roman Villa Activity Workshops

Charge: £3.00 per child (teachers and helpers free)

Duration: 2 hours

Minimum number of pupils 20 and maximum 60

Available: Tuesday and Wednesday: 10am or 12.45pm

Workshops consist of two talks, each followed by activities, when the children divide into smaller groups (up to 15 children)

• The Roman villa-house: An archaeologist describes the discovery and excavation of the Villa and explains the remains of the house — its walls, roof, floors and hypocaust (central heating) and its end in circa AD410.

• Life in the Roman villa: A second session covers life on the farm and in the house with Roman artefacts and replica Roman domestic objects, including pottery and jewellery. Four children are dressed as Romans — a little girl, a married lady, a farm boy and a senator.

• Handling and drawing Roman artefacts activity: Each child has a finds tray of Roman artefacts with identification and handling followed by drawing and labelling (drawings are taken back to school).

• Mosaic making activity: Unit staff briefly outline how the Romans made mosaics, followed by mosaic making with individual trays, coloured "tesserae" and Roman patterns to follow.

• "Brass rubbing" activity: "Rubbing" of figures of Roman soldiers, Julius Caesar and gladiators (14cms high) with a brief written description about figures and instructions how to "rub" given by Unit staff (rubbings are taken back to school).

Teachers and helpers are requested to help during the activity sessions. This is a very full 2-hour programme so late arrival may result in the activities having to be curtailed.

Introdcution to Life in Roman Britain - A special activity event

Dates: 2020 Dates to be Confirmed.

Charge: £3.00 per child (teachers and helpers free)

Duration: 2 hours

Minimum number of pupils 25 and maximum 30

Sessions at 10am or 12.45pm

Includes:

• AD43 The Celts & Roman Invasion - Two childen dress up as Celts. The Roman Invasion of AD43 and defeat of the Celts. A Roman soldier's armour and weapons (with adult replica items). Six children dress up as Roman soldiers and drill, with military 'diplomas' awarded. Settling in: a new capital city, town, roads and villas.

• The Roman Villa-House - An archaeologist describes the discovery of the site, the excavations of 1988, and the villa house remains. Information is given on the tessellated floors, central heating (hypocaust) and concrete floors (opus signinum).

• Design a Roman Mosaic Pattern - Unit staff briefly outline how the Romans made mosaics. Children then design a 'Roman' mosaic pattern with coloured tiles.

• Life on the Roman Villa - Life on the farm and in the house is described with Roman aretefacts and replica Roman domestic objects.

• Handling and Drawing Roman Artefacts - Each child has a tray of Roman artefacts with identification and handling followed by labelling (drawings are taken back to school).