Young Reporter: Travel back in time with the Crofton Roman Villa

Crofton Roman Villa provides a great day out for families, keen historians and anyone interested in their local area. Situated next to Orpington Station, opposite a car showroom, from the outside it is pretty inconspicuous and may not look like much, but inside lies a hidden world, one that will take you back centuries. The centre acts almost as a time machine, taking you from modern day Orpington to Roman Britain in a matter of seconds. It is the only villa in Greater London open for public viewing and hosts guided tours for both for groups and societies and special events for school children over holiday periods.  Inhabited approximately from 140 AD to 400 AD, the villa was part of a large farming estate, in a world that is almost unimaginable from our own. First excavated in 1926, the remains of 10 rooms are currently on display, protected by a modern exterior. Also available to visitors is a ‘Touch Table’ which provides a number of Roman findings excavated from the sight which can be handled and many activities and games for children to play. The villa gives visitors a closer insight on what life in Roman Britain must have been like for the ordinary citizens and gives people an opportunity to be more in touch with their local history. It really does provide both an educational and fascinating visit for all ages and genders, and truly is a hidden gem of Bromley.