Historic Buildings & Monuments

Originally a tribal centre of the Iron Age Atrebates, Silchester became the large and important Roman town of Calleva Atrebatum. Unlike most Roman towns, it was never re-occupied or built over after its abandonment in the 5th century, so archaeological investigations give an unusually complete picture of its development.

Silchester was originally the site of an important Iron Age settlement, which subsequently developed into a Roman town.

A late Neolithic or early Bronze Age circle of 18 fallen stones, on a hilltop overlooking Abbotsbury and the sea. The Kingston Russell circle is believed to date back to the later Neolithic or Early Bronze Age, some 4,000 years ago.

The 18 visible stones at Kingston Russell have all fallen: they lie flat, in a big irregular oval, the diameter of which varies between 27 metres (90 feet) and 18 metres (60 feet).

Some are broken, and it is impossible to tell which fragments are bases and which were originally upper parts.

Rockbourne is near Fordingbridge in a picturesque and peaceful part of Hampshire close to the New Forest. The Roman villa once stood in the centre of a large farming estate, and is the largest known villa in the area. Its history spans the period from the Iron Age to the 5th century AD. The villa includes bath houses, living quarters, farm buildings and workshops. You can see the best mosaics, part of the underfloor heating system and the outline of the villa's forty rooms.

School visits to Rockbourne Roman Villa

The mansion, at the heart of this estate, is evidence of Elsie Bambridge's success in creating a home. Elsie was the daughter of acclaimed author Rudyard Kipling.

Intimate rooms contrast with beautiful and unexpected Georgian interiors, including Soane's breathtaking Yellow Drawing Room and wonderful plunge bath. The fascinating basement corridor offers a glimpse into life below stairs.