Brading Roman Villa Added To Historic England’s Heritage At Risk Register

(c) Brading Roman Villa

One of the Isle of Wight’s most treasured historic sites has been added to Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register 2025.

The hypocaust at Brading Roman Villa is now considered “at risk” due to the deterioration of its protective shelter — a structure that dates back to the Edwardian era.

The hypocaust, a rare example of Roman underfloor heating, was discovered during excavations in the 1880s. It forms part of the villa’s North Range — a large aisled hall and bath house built around 200 AD that would have been central to daily life at the villa.

The ancient system used a network of small brick columns, known as pilae stacks, to circulate hot air beneath the floor — a remarkable example of Roman engineering that once kept rooms warm in the Island’s grandest Roman residence.

Jasmine Wroath, Brading Roman Villa Museum Manager, said:

“We welcome the expert advice and support of Historic England as we work together to protect and preserve the Roman hypocaust at Brading for future generations.

“This work forms part of our broader vision to develop the interpretation of the villa within its ancient landscape and continue investing in local heritage, archaeology and the natural environment.”

Historic England says the Heritage at Risk Register highlights historic sites most in need of protection, encouraging collaborative projects to restore them for the future.

The organisation added that maintaining and reusing historic structures is key to sustainability — “the greenest building is the one that already exists.”