Roman artefacts on display at Chester House Estate
Today's the final day of the fourth annual Roman Fest at the Estate near Wellingborough, which is build on a Roman Town.
Today's the final day of the biggest heritage event of the year at Chester House Estate in Irchester near Wellingborough 'Roman Fest.'
Now in it's fourth year, the two day event will see roman artefacts on display and roman re-enactments along with Rome's Got Talent with 'Symonius Cowellus'.
It's been organised in partnership with the University of Leicester’s Heritage Hub with stalls from more than 35 local museums, community archaeology groups, archaeological companies and other heritage organisations from Northamptonshire and beyond.
The Estate near Wellingborough is built on a former Roman town, as Ben Donnelly-Symes from the event tells us:
"It was first excavated around 150 years ago, and we've been running the excavations for the last few years with the University of Leicester excavating on the suburbs of it. But we know it was a Roman town, we think the population 600 and 1000 people at it's height."
Ben, the Archaeological Archives Curator at Northamptonshire Archaeological Resource Centre at Chester House tells us why Rome still holds such a fascination for us:
"It's a universal history thing, as pretty much everyone in Europe has experienced. It's something that's where history feels quite real and sometimes you can go to places even in the UK where you can see Roman remains."
Sarah Scott, Professor of Archaeology and Director of the University’s Heritage Hub says the annual event is a fantastic opportunity to showcase their collaborative research:
"Our students and staff are excited to be working alongside volunteers and staff from the ARC and the Chester House Estate investigating the small Roman town of Irchester which lies within the Estate.
"In addition to popular favourites, such as demonstrations from the Ermine Street Guard, you can learn the basics of osteoarchaeology, examine real archaeological finds using microscopes and uncover the surprising role of insects in archaeology and health."
Exclusive to this year, the Estate is showcasing a pop-up exhibition of artwork by Northampton College students, inspired by the Romans and objects within the onsite Northamptonshire Archaeological Resource Centre.
You can find out more on the Chester House Estate website.