Discovered in 1832 and 1848, the two mosaics are thought to be unique designs. The first one, depicting a lion, was discovered by an innkeeper digging a hole to bury a dead calf. Unfortunately, he damaged parts of the mosaic in the process. The other mosaic is better preserved and features a star and geometric patterns.
Stone shelters were constructed to protect them and have recently undergone £5,000 worth of repairs to improve drainage.
The mosaics have been admired by tourists ever since they were discovered and are now joined by a museum with other artefacts from everyday Roman life – hair combs, shoe buckles and surgical instruments for example. There is also another mosaic on display, believed to depict Clio, the Greek goddess of creative inspiration.
Aldorough was first inhabited by the Romans in about AD100, prospering quickly and having excellent communication links via Dere Street – known today as the A1.