Roman Fields Academy and Estate

The site was excavated by archaeologist John Evans in the 1850s and David Neal in the 1960s.
The earliest building found was of timber construction, dating to the later first or early second century. It is thought that through five building periods the site was inhabited until 350 AD.

Today the Academy incorporates Boxmoor House, itself built by one of the first Hemel Hempstead rail commuters. Thomas Davis was an eminent and wealthy surgeon who needed to be close to a train service to London, so shortly following to opening of a rail service from Boxmoor, Davis had the house built. Artifacts from his time at Boxmoor House remain today.

Boxmoor House was a convalescence home for soldiers during the First World War and became a children’s home in the 1930s. Two nieces of the Queen Mother, Katherine and Nerissa Bowe-Lyon were looked after at the home for a time.

Herts County Council purchased Boxmoor House in 1942.

Timings

Saturday 12 September:

1400

Friday 18 September:

1700

Location & directions

11 Box Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP3 0DF

Directions:

There may be limited parking on site. Alternatively there is street parking in Copperbeech Close and Beechwood Park. Hemel Hempstead train station is 10 minutes walk.

Contact on day:

Alan Olive

Telephone number:

+447879435485

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking required

Booking conditions:

Please cancel your order if you find you are unable to attend. This will enable other people to take your place. Many thanks. (Booking for the event on the 12th will close on the 12th at 12:30)

Booking contact name:

Alan Olive

Booking telephone number:

+447879435485

Booking email:

[email protected]

Booking website:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/heritage-open-days-roman-fields-academy-and-estate-tickets-1993842552748?aff=oddtdtcreator&_gl=1*xtl46z*_up*MQ..*_ga*MjQ5OTgyNTMuMTc4Mzk1OTgzMQ..*_ga_TQVES5V6SH*czE3ODM5NTk4MjkkbzEkZzAkdDE3ODM5NTk4MjkkajYwJGwwJGgw&keep_tld=t

Alternative booking website:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/heritage-open-days-roman-fields-academy-and-estate-tickets-1993847312986?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true

Booking opens:

20 Aug 2026 12:30 PM

Booking closes:

17 Sep 2026 12:30 PM

Accessibility details

The tour will take approximately 45 minutes and will mainly be indoors, but please bring appropriate clothing for external viewing.

Additional information

Enjoy your visit!

Max number of people:

20

Estimated duration:

1 hour(s)

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