Stunning Roman Villa Unearthed Under New Aldi Supermarket Site

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Stunning Roman Villa Unearthed Under New Aldi Supermarket Site

Oxford archaeologists have unearthed what they believe to be a Roman villa which features a stunning mosaic under a site earmarked for a new Aldi supermarket. 

The “intricate” mosaic was found at the site of a new Aldi supermarket in the town near Milton Keynes

A bathhouse, which featured beautiful red, white and blue tiles, was discovered on Warrington Road, Buckinghamshire. 

The Olney site is currently being prepared for the construction of a brand-new Aldi supermarket.

Archaeologists said the mosaic featured ‘vibrant colours and intricate decorative patterns’ made up of red, white and blue tiles’.

Oxford Archaeology carried out the work for develop Angle Property and was commissioned due to the site’s proximity to another existing Roman site, according to the BBC.

The group deem the mosaic ‘archaeological remains of high significance’.

The roman villa with a “vibrant” mosaic was deemed of “high significance”

It is believed much of the ancient remains extend under Warrington Road, the digl team said. 

The archaeologists said that following talks with Historic England and Milton Keynes Council, the mosaic has been preserved in situ. 

Materials have been placed over the brickwork to protect the relics and allow construction to continue without causing damage. 

Senior project manager at Oxford Archaeology, John Boothroyd, told the BBC: ‘Due to the site location we anticipated some notable Roman remains, but the discovery of this fantastic mosaic far exceeded those expectations.

The site was excavated due to its proximity to an existing Roman settlement monument

‘To be able to preserve remains of this quality and importance is a brilliant outcome, and one that could only have been achieved with the support of Angle Property.’

There are currently 992 ALDI locations in the UK. 


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