Historic Roman Villa Uncovered at Margam Country Park

Major Archaeological Discovery Reshapes Welsh History

Archaeologists have uncovered the biggest Roman villa ever found in Wales just one metre below the surface of a park. The find sits inside Margam Country Park, a historic deer park which has never been ploughed or developed. This remarkable discovery, announced in January 2026, represents a significant breakthrough in understanding Romano-British history in South Wales and promises to attract renewed interest to this historic estate near Port Talbot.

The Discovery and Its Significance

The villa was found at Margam Country Park in Port Talbot as part of a collaborative project between Swansea University, Neath Port Talbot Council and Margam Abbey Church. It was discovered with the help of sophisticated scanning equipment that can detect archaeological features hidden underground. The results revealed the footprint of a Roman villa covering around 572 square metres, surrounded by defensive ditches.

Margam Park’s land has never been ploughed or built on, meaning that the remains of the ancient villa have been largely undisturbed over the centuries and appear fairly well preserved. The experts have surmised that the building is a corridor villa with two wings – one at the front with six rooms and another at the back with eight rooms – and a veranda.

Community Impact and Future Prospects

The discovery has generated considerable excitement among local residents and heritage professionals. The open day takes place at Margam Abbey Church on January 17. Local residents and heritage groups have welcomed the discovery, seeing it as a source of pride for Port Talbot and a major addition to the historical importance of Margam Country Park.

Margam Country Park is a country park estate in Wales, of around 850 acres, situated in Margam, about 2 miles from Port Talbot in south Wales. The estate already hosts significant historical attractions including Margam Abbey, Margam Castle, and an 18th-century Orangery, making it one of Wales’ premier heritage destinations. This latest discovery further elevates the park’s historical significance and is expected to boost tourism to the region whilst providing invaluable insights into Wales’ Roman past.