The Orpington and District Archaeological Society (ODAS) will be giving guided tours of the foundations of a Romano-British Bathhouse from 11.00am to 12.30pm and 1.30 to 4pm.
The bathhouse had three rooms, the caldarium (hot room), tepidarium (warm room) and the frigidarium (cold room). The building was made of flint and excavation has revealed that it was roofed with clay tiles. Part of the underfloor heating system – the hypocaust – can be seen. Wood was burned in the stokehole; the hot air passed under the floor, and up the walls through a system of box flue tiles. Exhibition in nearby hall – talk to archaeologists, see Roman roof tile, and Roman pottery. Bookstall, toilets. Tours every 20 minutes. Donations towards ODAS’ work will be welcome.
Meet at gate to bathhouse site in Bellefield Road, St Mary Cray, BR5 2DH
Buses 51, 273, R11