On stylistic grounds it has been dated to the 4th century and is attributed to the mosaic workshop of Durnovaria (modern Dorchester).

A central circle surrounds a portrait bust of a man wearing what might be a pallium standing before a Christian chi-rho symbol flanked by two pomegranates.

In 2000, a new roof was erected by architects Foster and Partners to cover the previously open courtyard of the British Museum.

[11] As part of this major building work it was decided that the Hinton St Mary mosaic should be moved.

They launched a petition stating that "the mosaic possibly contains the only known representation of Christ in an ancient pavement, it is of unique importance not just in Britain but in the context of the Roman Empire as a whole, and merits being displayed in its entirety.

Dr Guest also commented that "we are now thinking about organising a 3rd season next year [2023] to find answers to those questions that still remain about Roman Hinton St Mary and to tie up any final loose ends!

In July 2022 the Blackmore Vale newspaper reported that "discussions are at an advanced stage with a view to bringing the important Roman artefact to the Dorset County Museum in Dorchester or another site.

"[2] The Sturminster Newton Museum (around 2 miles or 3 kilometres south of Hinton St Mary) has a display about the mosaic, its finding and planned return, and the local area in Roman times.