Roman Villa near North Leigh, Godstow Abbey and Eynsham(10 October 2009)

North Leigh Roman Villa

This Roman villa dates back to about the fourth century AD.

One wing of the Roman Villa. There was another excavated wing, of similar size to the far left, and there is evidence of a third wing running to the left from behind this viewpoint. These three wings surround a large courtyard on the left, and there would have been a wall with an entrance closing up the fourth side.

Evidence for ducted underfloor heating in the villa. The courtyard would have been where the neat grass is, and the unexcavated third wing is under the rough grass directly ahead.

Foundation ruins of the villa. The building is protecting a mosaic floor from one of the rooms of the second wing.

Other sights for the day

Inside the remains of the twelfth century Godstow Abbey.

Canal barge on the Thames near Swinford Bridge (Swinford means "swine ford", which meant the ford here was shallow enough for pigs to cross ... most of the time).

Headstones and ivy at St Leonard's church, Eynsham.

More headstones and ivy at St Leonard's church, Eynsham.

The village of North Leigh across the fields.

Photos taken by Helen Chick.