Plaque marks work on Roman villa

Visitors to Lullingstone can see the villa's mosaic floors

A plaque commemorating the work of archaeologists and volunteers at Lullingstone Roman Villa in Kent is to be unveiled on Friday.

It is part of a new exhibition on the villa which includes photographs, records and anecdotes from people who answered an appeal for contributions.

The villa was built in AD 100 and was excavated between 1949 and 1961.

"The plaque will celebrate the work of archaeologists and volunteers at the site," said curator Kevin Booth.

More than 20 people came forward with photographs, records, memories and anecdotes of the investigations at the villa, which English Heritage says remains one of the most exciting archaeological finds in England.

Skeletal remains

"Many of the best finds came in the form of memories - we heard some great anecdotes about the archaeological activity," said Mr Booth.

The plaque unveiling will be attended by 30 to 50 people including archaeologists, landowners, volunteers who have worked on the site and Kent archaeological groups.

The villa was discovered in the late 1930s but the start of the Second World War prevented any serious investigations beginning until years later.

Visitors today can see its mosaic floors, wall paintings and skeletal remains discovered on site.