IN 1977 the Standard reported on the retirement of Andrew Irvine, custodian of the Roman Villa at Chedworth, who, over the previous 47 years, had seen more than a million people visit the attraction.

The 65-year-old had been custodian of the Roman Villa since 1930 and was due to retire at the end of July 1977.

He said he was looking forward to a rest from catering for a constant stream of visitors, about 75,000 each year.

Looking back on a career of service, which included the war years that he spent in the Middle East and Italy with the 24th Field Regiment, Royal Artillery, Mr Irvine highlighted the tremendous growth in the number of visitors as the major change during his time at the Villa.

In the early days there were few visitors. “We get more in a week now than we got in a year then,” said Mr Irvine. “There was no electricity and very few cars, people who came either walked or cycled.” 

The importance of the villa was enhanced between 1958 and 1965 after a re-excavation and since then the visitors have been rolling up in their thousands. 

In 1974, Mr Irvine’s services to the Villa were recognised by the award of a British Empire Medal.

Mr Irvine expressed regret at having to retire but was looking forward to a quiet life in his new home.