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 reopened the Roman Painted House to the public on Saturday 14 September as part of Dover's Heritage Open weekend.
The attraction is open to the public, free of charge every Saturday until the end of November 2024, as well as Monday to Friday of the October half term holiday. It will then be open from the February half term holiday 2025 to the end of November 2025, in line with other Heritage based attractions. Guided educational visits and group tours are available to book at a small charge.
To book a tour of The Roman Painted House, please contact the Visitor Services Supervisor at the Visitor Information Centre by emailing RPH@dover.gov.uk or phoning 01304 201066.
DDC and the Dover Roman Painted House Trust plan to collaborate and submit a funding application to support a major ‘Roman Dover’ project. This would not only better protect this scheduled monument but would also publicly open and protect Dover’s Roman Bath House, to support significant ongoing regeneration and create one of the best Roman sites in Britain.
Future Project
The project aim is to transform the Roman Painted House, Roman Bath House and Roman Lawn into a leading heritage-based visitor attraction. Celebrating Roman history, fostering community engagement, and promoting educational and cultural enrichment. The proposed visitor centre will link York Street via the Roman Lawn to the Market Square. Featuring pathways and landscaping that will connect York Street, the Market Square, and the seafront via Bench Street subway.
The project proposals regenerate these historic sites, turning them into a vibrant cultural destination. This open space will be ideal for events, education, and family activities. Feedback from public engagement will be collated to inform the concept design which might include a café, family area, shop and classroom areas, offering a comprehensive and exciting experience for all visitors to Dover.
Please help us to shape the future project by completing the Roman Painted House Questionnaire. This should only take a few minutes to complete and your feedback is important to us - thank you.
Roman Painted House Questionnaire
Press releases
A-New-Future-For-Dovers-Historic-Roman-Painted-House.aspx
Roman Painted House Set to Open for Heritage Open Weekend (dover.gov.uk)