Trifter

VINDOLANDA ROMAN FORT AND MUSEUM. NORTHUMBERLAND is full of Roman military remains. I have seen most of these, especially the forts and outlying defences of Hadrian’s Wall. These show what the Roman military engineers were capable of when they were up against it. I have always considered that they are a tribute to these ancient operators, they are also an accolade to the tribesmen who opposed them. One of the most exciting sites is Vindolanda or Chesterholme, south west of Housesteads. Vindolanda was part of the earlier defensive system which predated Hadrian’s Wall. Abnormal soil conditions preserved many Roman artefacts, which would have rotted away elsewhere. Now visitors can watch the archaeologists, who are at work seven days a week from April until September. They can see the artefacts being unearthed and discuss with the archaeologists and volunteers what they have discovered that day. Most of Vindolanda’s visible Roman remains, both military and civilian date from the 3rd and 4th Centuries. They include the headquarters building, the commanding officers’ villa, other houses, workshops, a temple and what every Roman station needed, two bath houses. Vindolanda is an open air museum with reconstructions of Roman temples, shops and houses. There are also full-scale replicas of the wall built in both turf and timber and the more durable stone. Several Roman vehicles have been recreated and various historic groups reenact Roman military and civilian life. The many rare and amazing finds are displayed in the museum and there is an exhibition and film about the famous writing tablets that were discovered at Vindolanda. Visitors are able to obtain light lunches and other refreshments at Café Lepidina or take a stroll through the beautiful museum gardens. The gift shop offers an extensive selection of books and souvenirs. The museum has a long-established education staff, who welcome school parties and other groups and can offer specialist advice. There is free parking and disabled visitors are welcome. More information on disabled can be obtained from 01434 344277. Vindolanda is open from 10am to 5pm between mid-February and March and October the mid-November and 10am to 6pm from April to September. Last admission is 45 minutes before closing time.

The site is well signposted from both the A69 and the B6318 roads. More up to date information is available on 01434 644060.