Discovered in 1942 by a farmer looking for his ferret, Rockbourne Roman villa remains one of the biggest archaeological finds in Hampshire. Extensive excavation has revealed over 70 rooms, suggesting that a major settlement existed here during the 400 year Roman occupation. Highlights include the mosaic floored bath house and a surprisingly intact under floor heating system (hypercaust). Notable objects displayed in the museum include a fragment of leather sandal preserved for a thousand years in waterlogged conditions and a perfect footprint left in wet mortar by a hobnailed boot.