In 1970 The Kent Archaeological Rescue Unit made a find that was to be of significant importance to the Roman history of Britain. It was the discovery of a very well preserved Roman house, complete with many artefacts that were in excellent condition. The house itself was probably a Mansio, an official transit hotel. The Dover town was an extensive site and took the next 22 years to excavate. It was a huge excavation by any standards and the Unit's people removed over 5,800 tons of soil. Enough to fill 580 10 yard lorries! There were in excess of 20,000 fragments of painted walls found inside the building. During the work, a layer of finely worked flint implements that dated back to the Neolithic period of about 2000 BC were found. This indicates that the site itself had be of considerable importance throughout British history. The resultant site is described by the Unit's secretary Edna Philp as "The best preserved Roman town house in Britain." There are a total of five rooms, very well preserved with walls from 4-8 feet in height. Of special interest are some 400 square feet of in situ finely painted wall plaster. To support the belief that this was a stopping house for those on a journey, the designs in the plaster relate to Bacchus, the God of wine and revelry, both appropriate for weary travelers. There is also a well preserved Hypocaust that shows graphically the famous Roman central heating system. The house was built about 200 AD and over the next 100 years it was extensively altered for both civil and military purposes.

The house has many displays relating to Roman Dover, with over 30 display panels and several cases showing items unearthed during the excavations.   There is also brass rubbing, mosaic making and a touch table.