A TEAM of National Trust archaeologists will be excavating Chedworth Roman Villa this month.

Between 17 and 28 August, visitors to Chedworth Roman Villa will be able to watch as more of the North Range of the Roman Villa is revealed.

The excavations will provide an opportunity for visitors to observe live archaeology and see first-hand what exciting discoveries are made this year.

The excavations form part of a five year archaeological programme which seeks to understand more about the North Range of the Roman Villa. This research will allow the National Trust to decide what might need to be done to protect the remains in the future.

Hazel Barry-Scott, visitor services co-ordinator at Chedworth said: “The excavations happening this August are exciting for all staff and visitors. Last year we saw a new mosaic floor uncovered despite archival research showing no records of mosaics in this area. Everybody, including the archaeologists, was surprised to find the remains of a geometric mosaic measuring 18m long and 6m wide. At this size, the mosaic is the largest discovered anywhere in the Roman Villa and possibly belonged to a grand reception room.

“Another exciting discovery made last year was a fragment of cipollino (little onion) marble from the Euboea Island in Greece. Representing a rare and high status import to Britain, this find continues to suggest the high status of the Villa’s occupants. Everyone at Chedworth Roman Villa is curious to see what will be discovered this year.”

The archaeological dig will be directed by Dr Martin Papworth, a National Trust archaeologist and he will be assisted by Professor Simon Esmonde-Cleary and Professor Peter Salway.

After the dig, the trenches will be re-covered to protect the items discovered from damage.

In 2012 Chedworth Roman Villa opened a new cover building for the West Range which allowed the villa’s principal rooms and mosaic floors to be properly protected and displayed to the public.

Previously, Victorian sheds were the only thing that stood between the elements and the mosaic floors at the Villa.

The project picked up one of the three Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) awards for the South West and was one of the only two UK projects shortlisted for the prestigious World Architecture Awards.

More information is available at the www.nationaltrust.org.uk/chedworth-roman-villa website.