Brading Roman Villa Uncovers “Hidden Stories” With £10,000 Heritage Grant

Brading Roman Villa is set to explore untold stories from its past after securing £10,000 in funding for a new community heritage project.

The money, awarded through Creative Island, the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Community Foundation, and The National Lottery Heritage Fund, will support “Uncovering Hidden Stories of Brading Roman Villa”.

The project will focus on collecting oral histories from local people who have been involved in archaeological work at the site during the 21st century, preserving their memories for future generations.

These recordings will form part of a new exhibition, which will be shared both digitally and at the museum itself.

Alongside the oral history archive, the project will include hands-on workshops giving young people the chance to try non-invasive archaeological techniques, as well as creative sessions led by artist Lucy Bell.

Families will also be able to take part in a Festival of Archaeology event, while schools across the Island will benefit from educational resources developed in partnership with the Isle of Wight Music Hub.

The project is being led by Alfie Murray, who recently completed a heritage placement at the villa, with support from Heritage and Education Officer Sarah Girling and oral historian Lisa Kerley.

Ms Girling said the funding will help the team uncover and preserve stories that have not previously been fully explored, while creating new opportunities for the community to engage with local heritage.

The project will run from June 2026 through to May 2027, with public activities starting this summer as part of the Festival of Archaeology.