Roman cavalry and artillery will take over a County Durham fort this weekend, marking a return to life almost 2,000 years in the past. Binchester Roman Fort, near Bishop Auckland, is set to host a living history event from August 29 to 31, transforming one of the region’s most significant Roman sites into a busy encampment. The fort’s strategic location, originally established to guard Dere Street and the crossing of the River Wear, will be brought to life with the sounds of horse hooves, artillery demonstrations, and the hum of activity from the Germanic warrior encampment.
Historic Reenactments at the Fort
The event will feature cavalry displays from The Yorkshire Knight and his horse Raven, alongside artillery demonstrations by Roma Antiqua and a Germanic warrior encampment. Visitors can try their hand at pottery making and meet archaeologists from the Portable Antiquities Scheme, who will be on hand to explain the process of handling genuine Roman artefacts. The archaeologists will provide a unique insight into the daily lives of the people who lived and worked at the fort, showcasing the skills and techniques used to create the artefacts that have been discovered on site. The pottery making activity will allow visitors to get hands-on experience of creating their own Roman-style pottery, using techniques and materials similar to those used by the Romans.
Family activities include crafts, guided tours, and a new Action Stations trail. Younger visitors will have the chance to dress as Roman soldiers or archaeologists, giving them a chance to immerse themselves in the history of the fort. The guided tours will provide a detailed look at the fort’s history, including its establishment, daily life, and significance in the Roman Empire. The Action Stations trail will take visitors on a journey through the fort, highlighting key features and providing interactive experiences along the way. The fort’s facilities have recently been improved, with enhanced visitor amenities, a new gift shop, and refreshed food and drink options now available, making it an ideal destination for families and history enthusiasts alike.
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Originally known as Vinovia, the fort was established around AD 80 to guard Dere Street and the crossing of the River Wear. Today, it contains some of Britain’s best-preserved Roman remains, including substantial walls, the commanding officer’s house, and a hypocaust underfloor heating system within its bathhouses. The hypocaust system, a sign to the Romans’ engineering skills, will be on display, allowing visitors to see firsthand how the Romans used this innovative technology to heat their buildings. The commanding officer’s house, with its well-preserved walls and foundations, will provide a glimpse into the lives of the fort’s elite, while the bathhouses will showcase the importance of hygiene and cleanliness in Roman culture.
Visitors Get Up Close With History
Dr John Castling, archaeology curator at The Auckland Project and Binchester Roman Fort manager, said that seeing the site filled with the sights and sounds of the Roman world is the best way to understand its history. He noted that the weekend will give people a chance to experience everything from cavalry and artillery to crafts and archaeology. The event will provide a unique opportunity for visitors to engage with the history of the fort, with the chance to meet experts, handle artefacts, and participate in activities that bring the past to life. By immersing themselves in the sights and sounds of the Roman world, visitors will gain a deeper understanding of the people who lived and worked at the fort, and the significance of the site in the Roman Empire.
The event runs daily from 10am until 4.30pm and is included with a Bishop’s Key or standard fort admission. Tickets are priced at £8 for adults and £5 for children aged five to 15. Palace Pizza will also return during the weekend, serving stone-baked sourdough pizzas between noon and 4pm. The combination of history, activities, and food will make for a fun and engaging experience for visitors of all ages, providing a unique and memorable experience that will leave a lasting impression of the Roman world and its significance in Britain’s history.
