Combley Roman Villa
Roman History at Robin Hill
What can you discover about the Romans and their life at Combley Villa?
The Isle of Wight was occupied by the Romans from approximately 43 A.D. until 410 A.D. The area where Robin Hill is situated was called Combley, an area farmed by Bronze Age and Iron Age settlers, well before the Roman invasion. The site probably had access to clean spring water which may have been one reason to settle here. In the early years, Combley Villa was probably the home of a powerful tribal family who would have prospered from the Roman trade. One of the two rooms shows evidence of a Roman-styled feature – a hypocaust floor – which allowed hot air to circulate beneath the floor, an advanced form of central heating!
Did you know there are archaeological remains of a Roman Villa beneath Robin Hill’s grounds?
Robin Hill was once part of Combley Farm, sited about a mile southeast from the villa site. The villa was first oficially discovered in 1910 by the Fleming’s estate steward, Arthur Arnold. However, the living relatives of the Willis-Fleming family suggest the villa was discovered many years before. An old family story states, “once in every generation, the reigning Fleming had unearthed the villa ruins, had a look and buried it up again”
Other Roman Villas on the Isle of Wight
There are five known Roman villas on the Isle of Wight; at Rock , Carisbrooke , Newport, Combley and Brading.
Discover an insight of Roman life at Brading Roman Villa with beautifully preserved mosaic floors and an extensive collection of Roman archaeology. It’s extensive grounds include a meadow trail and a Roman garden.
Visit a Romano-British farmhouse which was constructed in 280AD and find out more about the Roman occupation of the Isle of Wight at Newport Roman Villa.