Crofton Roman Villa, the only publicly accessible Roman villa in Greater London, will soon offer an immersive new visitor experience thanks to nearly £250,000 in funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The grant will support a major refurbishment of the ancient site, located in Orpington, and will include interactive and educational displays.
Yvonne Bear, Bromley Council’s 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.”
The revamped displays will include interpretation panels, wall murals, window graphics, and a new ‘handling collection’ that allows visitors to engage more closely with the site’s history.
The refurbishment will also include essential infrastructure upgrades, such as a new roof and accessible toilets.
Work is set to begin in early 2026 and is expected to be completed by the summer.
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.”
Crofton Roman Villa began as an Iron Age dwelling and later became a significant Romano-British farmstead at the centre of a 500-acre estate, occupied from around AD 140 to 400.
Today, 10 rooms remain preserved within a public viewing building, featuring tessellated tiled floors and the ancient under-floor heating system, known as a hypocaust.
The refurbishment plans follow public engagement sessions held earlier this year, and planning approval was granted 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.
The site also welcomed visitors during the Open House Festival in September, highlighting its ongoing role in public education and heritage engagement.
