A rare and vulnerable piece of history has been added to Historic England's at risk register, in a bid to help preserve it for the future.

The Roman Painted House in Dover dates back to 200 AD but was only discovered in the 1970s.

It is the remains of a mansio building which would have provided accommodation in Roman Dover – Dubris – to travellers on official business.

Large masonry walls, an underfloor hypocaust heating system, and areas of intact painted plaster have survived the centuries.

The wall paintings of red, green and yellow panels give an indication of its original colourful interior design and are considered to be one of the best-preserved examples north of the Alps.

But it has been added to the heritage at risk register to highlight the vulnerability of the wall paintings, with the protective building covering the archaeological remains rapidly deteriorating and no longer fit for purpose.

Dover District Council (DDC) recently took the attraction, which temporarily closed in September 2022, back into its care and invested more than £70,000 in essential remedial work prior to its reopening this past summer.

The local authority and Historic England will now work together to help preserve the building in the years to come.

DDC leader Kevin Mills (Lab) said: “We fully appreciate the expert advice and support of Historic England as we work together to maintain and preserve the Roman Painted House for future generations.

"This is part of our broader vision to develop Roman Dover as there is still so much more to uncover and preserve, including the Roman Lawn and Bath House that’s adjacent to the site."

The at risk register gives an annual snapshot of the health of England’s most-valued historic buildings and places which are at risk of neglect or decay, helping to ensure they can be protected.

In total across England, there are 4,891 entries on the heritage at risk register in 2024 – 20 more than in 2023.

Last year, Canterbury’s Dane John Mound was added to the list after Historic England discovered the monument had been damaged by erosion due to huge visitor numbers.

Meanwhile, the announcement comes after fears were raised about the Roman Painted House's "integrity being destroyed" by three new "eyesore" digital billboards in nearby York Street.

A proposal has been submitted to erect the 20ft wide and 10ft high LED advertising boards in the car park of office block Maybrook House, with the static images on the billboards changing once every 10 seconds.

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