Specialist Access for a Protected Roman Site

ROAR Scaffolding was contracted to provide specialist access scaffolding at Littlecote Roman Villa, an important historic site within Littlecote Park near Hungerford.

The scaffold was erected around a timber pavilion that protects the villa's fourth-century Orpheus mosaic. It provided access to the pavilion's elevations, timber framework, gable ends, eaves and roofline for planned inspection, repair and maintenance work.

Working Within a Historic Site

Littlecote Roman Villa was first recorded in 1727 and rediscovered in 1976, with an extensive programme of excavation and conservation following. Its best-known feature is the Orpheus mosaic, which is now sheltered beneath a purpose-built timber pavilion.

This setting made the project very different from scaffolding a conventional building. The pavilion sits within the excavated Roman complex and is surrounded by visible wall foundations, grassed areas and visitor routes.

ROAR Scaffolding vehicle beside the timber pavilion at Littlecote Roman Villa before the full access scaffold was completed

Three-quarter view of boarded scaffold lifts around the Littlecote Roman Villa protective pavilion

Planning and installation at the historic Littlecote Roman Villa site. Continuous working lifts provide access around the pavilion elevations and roofline.

Our team had to consider not only the structure's shape but also the sensitive environment around it. The scaffold footprint was carefully planned to provide the required access while limiting unnecessary interference and protecting the surrounding archaeology and historic setting.

Access Around the Timber Pavilion

Continuous boarded working lifts were installed around the main elevations of the pavilion. The scaffold followed its open-sided timber construction, pitched roof, projecting eaves and gable ends rather than treating it as a standard rectangular building.

Returns at each end connected the working areas and gave the maintenance team practical access around the structure. The platforms were positioned to reach the timber posts and rails, external elevations, fascia lines, eaves, gable details and roof perimeter.

A walkaround of the completed access scaffold at Littlecote Roman Villa.

Long side elevation showing multi-level scaffolding around the timber Roman villa pavilion

Gable-end scaffold with boarded lifts and guardrails around the Littlecote Roman Villa pavilion

A full side elevation with boarded lifts for timber and roof maintenance access. Gable-end and eaves access adapted to the pavilion's pitched roof.

Higher working lifts also made it easier to reach areas that would have been difficult to inspect from ground level. Guardrails, toe boards and structural bracing formed part of the completed access arrangement.

Planned Around Archaeology

The position of the archaeological remains, existing pavilion, surrounding ground and access routes all influenced how the scaffold could be erected.

Planning the arrangement around these features helped keep its footprint controlled while still providing the coverage required for the maintenance programme. Once completed, the scaffold fitted neatly around the pavilion without detracting unnecessarily from the character of the site.

With its rural surroundings and historic importance, Littlecote Roman Villa made this a particularly distinctive project for the ROAR team. It demonstrates how scaffolding can be adapted for heritage environments where careful positioning and respect for the surroundings are just as important as access to the structure itself.

Scaffold surrounding the open-sided timber pavilion in the landscaped grounds at Littlecote Roman Villa

The scaffold was planned around the pavilion and its sensitive archaeological setting.

Heritage Scaffolding near Hungerford

ROAR Scaffolding provides commercial, residential and specialist scaffolding throughout Hungerford, Wiltshire, Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire — including work as commercial scaffolders for heritage and conservation projects. Our services include:

Heritage and conservation scaffolding
Access for timber and roof repairs
Restoration and masonry work
Painting and planned maintenance scaffolds
Multi-level access scaffolding
Scaffolding for historic and unusual structures
Temporary roofs and weather protection

ROAR Scaffolding holds CHAS Elite and CHAS Standard accreditations, works with CISRS-trained operatives and carries £10 million Public and Employers' Liability insurance.

Planning maintenance, restoration or conservation work at a historic property? Contact ROAR Scaffolding to arrange a free, no-obligation site assessment and quotation.

Heritage Scaffolding at Littlecote Roman Villa near Hungerford