Work got underway to help safeguard the future of one of the Isle of Wight’s great historic attractions – Newport Roman Villa – which is being weathered by the elements.

The cover-building roof of the 1,700 year old Roman Villa, which is found on Cypress Road, will be replaced over the next month as part of a major project joint-funded by Isle of Wight Council and English Heritage, which has grant-aided over £40,000 towards the essential works.

The new cover-building roof has been designed to improve environmental conditions, reducing moisture levels which have contributed to the build up of algae on the mosaics. During the construction of the roof, the Villa’s important historic mosaics and baths will be protected.

Isle of Wight Council Deputy Leader George Brown said “The Isle of Wight has a rich heritage and it is very important we preserve our historic sites and tourism attractions. Newport Roman Villa regularly has over 5000 visitors each year and more than 1400 school children take part in educational visits. These works will ensure that residents and visitors are able to enjoy this fascinating window into past for many years to come”

Dr Andy Brown, English Heritage Regional Director for the South East said: “We are delighted to be able to help the council to safeguard this important Roman site so that it can be enjoyed by and can inspire thousands more visitors in the years to come.”

Newport Roman Villa is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, which gives it protected status. The remains of the Roman farmhouse built in 280 AD were discovered in 1926 and were given to the council in 1961. The Villa has a bath range, with mosaic floors, hot baths and a hypocaust heating system, which was effectively a Roman under floor heating system.