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Image Licensing : Darenth Court Villa AL2400_097_02
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Darenth Court Villa AL2400_097_02
Darenth Court Roman Villa, Darenth, Kent. The dig director George Payne standing amongst the archaeological excavations 1894-1895. The Villa was large and had tessellated floors, baths, a swimming pool and walled gardens. The tile stacks would have supported a raised floor, with under-floor heating from hot air passing through the flue visible in the centre of the shot. Historic England is the public body that champions and protects England's historic places. © Historic England Archive
Media ID 18226351
Filename: al2400_097_02.jpg
Size: 4416 x 6312 (18.3MB)
Date: 9th August 2013
Source: Historic England
Credit: Historic England Archive
Source: Historic England Archive
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This print from the Historic England Archive takes us back to the late 19th century, where we witness an exciting archaeological excavation at Darenth Court Roman Villa in Darenth, Kent. The image showcases the dig director, George Payne, standing proudly amidst the remarkable discoveries made during the 1894-1895 excavation season. Darenth Court Villa was undoubtedly a grand structure with its impressive tessellated floors, luxurious baths, a refreshing swimming pool, and meticulously maintained walled gardens. As we delve deeper into this snapshot of history, our attention is drawn to the tile stacks visible in the foreground. These stacks were ingeniously designed to support a raised floor that allowed for under-floor heating. The central focus of this shot lies on a flue that runs through the center of these tiles. This ingenious system facilitated hot air circulation beneath the villa's floors – an early form of radiant heating utilized by ancient Romans. It is truly fascinating how their advanced engineering techniques have stood the test of time. Through this photograph captured over a century ago, we are transported back in time to witness firsthand both the architectural splendor and technological advancements employed by our Roman ancestors. Thanks to Historic England Archive's preservation efforts, we can appreciate and learn from these invaluable glimpses into our past.
