Brading Roman Villa

Brading Roman Villa, a Roman courtyard villa located in Brading on the Isle of Wight, has been excavated and is now open to the public.

Discovery and Excavation of Brading Roman Villa

In 1879, a farmer named Mr. Munns accidentally uncovered a buried mosaic floor while digging holes for a sheep pen. Captain Thorp of Yarbridge, who was in the area searching for Roman artifacts, assisted him the following day in revealing the Gallus panel. By the spring of 1880, excavations had uncovered half of the villa—the portion on Mr. Munns’ land—while the remaining half lay within the Oglander estate. Further excavation was made possible when Lady Louisa Oglander purchased the rest of the site.

For many years, the Oglander estate allowed public access to the villa. In 1994, ownership was transferred to a charitable trust, leading to the construction of a visitor center, exhibition space, shop, and café. In 2004, the site received further upgrades, including a new protective cover for the ruins. Behind the site, an amphitheater made from the excavation spoil was recently created.

In August 2008, the University of Oxford launched a five-year excavation project, aiming to uncover additional mosaics.

Historical Background of Brading Roman Villa

The Isle of Wight was conquered by the Roman 2nd Augusta Legion under Emperor Vespasian in AD 44. The earliest version of Brading Roman Villa, a simple structure, dates back to the mid-1st century. Over the following century, it was expanded into a grand stone-built villa surrounding a central courtyard, featuring luxurious rooms adorned with intricate mosaics.

Despite suffering significant fire damage in the 3rd century AD, the villa remained in use for agricultural purposes for another hundred years. By AD 340, the estate, like many others in southern Britain, faced frequent pirate raids. Roman coins found at the site suggest that Brading Villa was still occupied until AD 395, during the reign of Emperor Honorius. Eventually, the villa was repurposed for grain storage before collapsing in the 5th century. Over time, vegetation concealed the ruins, and the villa’s exact location was forgotten until its rediscovery.

The Villa and Its Mosaics

The villa’s excavated remains are now housed within the Exhibition and Visitor Centre. The ground floor, consisting of 12 rooms, has survived, though the function of some spaces remains uncertain. The largest room, featuring an elaborate mosaic floor, may have been used for gatherings and entertaining guests. Since there is no evidence of an indoor kitchen, food was likely prepared outside to minimize fire risk. Artifacts such as Samian pottery, jewelry, and gaming pieces suggest a high standard of living.

Mosaics in five rooms depict various subjects, reflecting the owners’ wealth and education. Alongside geometric designs, mosaics feature Orpheus, Bacchus, gladiators, a dome-shaped structure, and a unique cockerel-headed man. The largest mosaic, split into two sections, illustrates Roman gods, goddesses, Medusa, and scenes related to farming and the sea.

The Cockerel-Headed Man

One of the villa’s most intriguing mosaic figures is the cockerel-headed man, who stands next to a building approached by steps, with two griffins nearby.

Some theories suggest he represents the gnostic deity Abraxas, though Abraxas is traditionally depicted with a serpent’s tail as well. Another interpretation links the figure to a gladiator or venator named “Gallus” (Latin for “cockerel”). Some even speculate that the mosaic satirizes Constantius Gallus, an emperor of the Eastern Roman Empire (ruled 351–354). Since the mosaics at Brading Villa closely resemble those found in Antioch, one theory suggests that Palladius, a former magister officiorum exiled to Britain, may have designed them as a satirical jab at his past adversary. Alternatively, the figure could simply be a mythical creature similar to the dog-headed beings found in other Roman mosaics.

Other Structures

To the north of the main villa, the remains of a farmhouse—likely home to workers—include traces of a hypocaust (underfloor heating) and a well. To the south, agricultural buildings such as a granary and storerooms once stood, though they no longer survive.

While there is no evidence of a formal Roman garden at the site, a water feature called a nymphaeum was discovered outside the villa and is now displayed in the Exhibition Centre. A reconstructed Roman-style garden has also been planted on the grounds, featuring a selection of plants, herbs, and flowers that would have been grown in Roman times.

Visiting Brading Roman Villa

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Visiting Brading Roman Villa offers a fascinating journey into Britain’s Roman past. Nestled in the Isle of Wight’s scenic countryside, the site showcases well-preserved remains of a grand Roman courtyard villa, complete with intricate mosaics, artifacts, and reconstructed features. The modern Exhibition and Visitor Centre enhances the experience with informative displays, interactive exhibits, and a café where visitors can relax after exploring the ruins. Strolling through the site, you can admire the stunning mosaic floors, including the famous cockerel-headed man, and learn about Roman life, from their luxurious homes to daily activities. Outside, a reconstructed Roman garden and an amphitheater made from excavation spoil add to the immersive experience. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or just curious about the ancient world, Brading Roman Villa provides a unique and engaging glimpse into life in Roman Britain.

Sites near Brading Roman Villa

• Newport Roman Villa (10 km)
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• Isle of Wight (Vectis Insvla) (11 km)
  Saxon Shore Fort and Villa
• Portchester (Portus Adurni) Roman Fort (18 km)
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• Hayling Island Temple (21 km)
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• Selsey Bill Settlement (26 km)
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• Bosham Harbour (Magnus Portus) (27 km)
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• Fishbourne Roman Palace (Villa Regis Cogidubni) (30 km)
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• Clausentum (Bitterne) (32 km)
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• Chichester (Noviomagus Reginorum) (32 km)
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• Butser Ancient Farm (32 km)
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