By Isle of Wight Observer
by A & S Whitewood.
Newport Roman Villa proved a popular venue as visitors celebrated 100 years since its rediscovery by workmen preparing the ground for new homes in Cypress Road in 1926.
Young visitors were keen to undertake the activities on offer provided by the team of council staff from the IW Council’s Heritage Service. They included discovering buried archaeological items, fitting together broken pottery items, weaving, dressing in Roman-style clothes, and looking at pieces of Roman-ware as well as exploring the villa and its garden.
One visitor said how lovely it was for young people to have the chance to handle ancient items, and be able to question the experts.
There was also the chance to have any items discovered on the Island identified by the local Finds Liaison Officer, Lewis Ferrero. Lewis said that items taken to the Roman Villa needing identification included a very unusual stone axe, and a small stone figure, possibly a toy, which has survived centuries.
One visitor was Sam Willis, from Wootton, who consulted Lewis on his finds: a flint stone and an item in sandstone. It was explained to him the different components and formation of stones, and how different stones were used for tools in ancient times.
Estelle Baker, from the Isle of Wight Council Heritage Service, said there had been a large turnout at the start of the day, followed by a steady stream of visitors enjoying the Roman Villa experience.