Family fun is in store at Binchester Roman Fort which will be graced by legendary Roman cavalry trooper Barbaratus this August bank holiday.
Barbaratus and the other star attractions of the recent Roman festival will show off their fearsome fighting skills on Monday 26th August. Visitors will see displays of archery, slingstaffs and the bolt-firing artillery catapult known as the ballista by re-enactment group Roma Antiqua. Barbaratus will also be prowling the fort, eager to show off his riding and horseback fighting skills.
Archaeologists will also be on hand to give visitors guided tours of recent discoveries which were made at the site since excavations resumed in early June. These include the newly uncovered barrack and defensive elements within the fort, whilst outside the ancient civilian settlement, several shops and part of the regimental bath building were also unearthed.
David Mason, principal archaeologist, said, “The re-enactments really bring the past to life allowing visitors to experience what it was like to see a fearsome Roman fighting force in action. The excavations have also reached a very exciting stage and visitors can come and see how we’re uncovering a part of County Durham’s past as we continue to unearth the barracks building. There’s never been a better time to visit Binchester Roman Fort.”
The re-enactment performances are scheduled to take place from 11.00am and again at 2.00pm, which will be followed by the guided tours. Admission is £2.55 for adults (£1.25 concessions), £1.15 for under 16s and free for children under four. Further information about Binchester Roman Fort can be found at www.durham.gov.uk/binchester.