Fishbourne Roman Palace

Fishbourne Roman Palace was built in the first century AD and the north wing was burnt down in 270AD. The damage was so great that it fell into disrepair. Although the Roman occupation was well documented in this area, all signs of this disappeared for hundreds of years.

A remarkable collection of mosaics was re-discovered initially by workmen laying drains. The site was earmarked for development and was eventually acquired and excavated by the Sussex Archaelogical Society in the 1960's. There are mosaics on top of mosaics - maybe it was a bit like changing your carpet when you get tired of the old. There is a wonderful almost complete mosaic in the dining room, but this fragment appeals more to me, almost contemporary. There were as many as 50 mosaics in all, some with underfloor heating. Not really a palace, but a villa so large it became known as a palace.

This outing should have included boats and water, but a severe weather warning cancelled the boat trip. Still waiting for the severe weather ....