A chance discovery in 1962, it was excavated in 1963-68 under the direction of David S. Neal.

A second excavation took place in 2000, also under the direction of Dr Neal.

The site may have begun as a pre Roman farm, but after the Roman invasion of AD 43 its proximity to the Roman city of Verulamium seems to have precipitated its development into a sort of spa and resort.

[1][2] The site may have been leveled around AD 350 possibly because of its owner's support for the usurper emperor Magnentius.

[3] Artefacts from the villa are held by the Dacorum Heritage Trust.