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Roman Fields Academy and Estate

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

  • 20 Sep 2025
  • In person
  • Pre-booking required

Visit Roman Fields Academy in Box Lane which takes its name from Roman buildings found on the site, dating to the first century AD. Local people most likely remember it as Boxmoor House, built by one of Hemel's first rail commuters in the 1800s!

First World War soldiers convalescing at Boxmoor House.

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 & Tours

Saturday 20 September:
1000 and 1100

Location & directions

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

Directions:
There may be limited parking on site, if not 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 book via Eventbrite. There are two tours offered, at 10am or 11am. Please select your tour time when booking tickets. Thanks
Booking contact name:
Alan Olive
Booking email:
[email protected]
Booking website:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/heritage-open-days-roman-fields-academy-and-estate-tickets-1568174224319?aff=oddtdtcreator
Booking opens:
18 Aug 2025 12:00 AM

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 no of people per tour:
20
Est. tour duration:
1 hour(s)

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