Imagine doing some plumbing, and then, as you do, happening upon a hidden Roman palace. I wish it were me, but alas, it isn’t. But what it is is spectacular. Fishbourne Roman Palace or Fishbourne Villa is in the village of Fishbourne, near Chichester in West Sussex, UK. The palace is the largest Roman residence north of the Alps, and has an unusually early date of 75 AD, around thirty years after the Roman conquest of Britain. And if you know something about Roman ruins and the history of Britain, once you see it, you’ll know immediately what a find it is. Watch the video below for a primer, courtesy of History Hit. And, of course, you can easily visit the site. It’s well worth the time – it’s not too far from London or Brighton.
Much of the palace has been excavated and is preserved, along with an on-site museum. The rectangular palace surrounded formal gardens, the northern parts of which have been reconstructed.
Extensive alterations were made in the second and third centuries AD, when many of the original black and white mosaics were overlaid with more sophisticated coloured work, including the perfectly preserved Dolphin mosaic in the north wing. More alterations were in progress when the palace burnt down in around 270 AD, after which it was abandoned.
What’s especially interesting is that, when you visit, you’ll be able to witness such an incredible find in such incredible condition. Free car and coach parking is available. By train: There is a train station at Fishbourne which is between 5-10 minutes walk to the Roman Palace. By bus: A regular bus service operates to and from Chichester (numbers 700 and 56). The stop is Salthill Road, which is between 5-10 minutes walk.
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