Roman Painted House
Background
The Roman Painted House was discovered in the 1970's and then excavated by local archaeologists during the following decade. Built in around 200 AD it formed part of the Roman military site in Dover. It has been described as the finest Roman house on show in Britain, with unique painted plaster walls (frescoes) and elaborate under floor heating (hypocaust).
The Roman Painted House is just part of a significant set of archaeological remains in the centre of modern-day Dover, some of which are under the adjacent Roman Lawn and include a Roman Bath House.
Plans for the venue
Dover District Council, working with the Dover Roman Painted House Trust are planning to open the historic attraction to the public this summer (from the end of July 2024) and sees this as playing a key role in the regeneration of Dover for the future. The Cabinet at Dover District Council have agreed to proposals to carry out immediate remedial works necessary to re-open the venue to the public.
In 2025 it is planned for The Roman Painted House to be publicly open between the 1st April and 31st October (10am to 4pm, Saturday and Sunday for free). The site will also be available at other times for private group bookings and educational visits with bookings to be made through the Visitor Services Supervisor at the Visitor Information Centre on 01304 201066.
Future
Dover District Council are developing plans to transform The Roman Painted House, The Roman Bath House and The Roman Lawn, and are progressing applications for grant funding for these key sites.
Press releases
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