manchester, roman britain, the northern empire

ROMAN BRITAIN - THE NORTHERN EMPIRE
3 days / 2 nights - Wednesday to Friday

TENTATIVE ITINERARY	NIGHTSTOP

DAY ONE - WEDNESDAY
This is a day of 'Chesters'. Our tour departs from central Manchester at 08.30. Participants may have already taken our 4-day Southern England Roman Britain tour and if so, will have arrived in Manchester on the evening prior. Before leaving the city we'll see what remains of Manchester's Roman settlement. Our first major stop of the day will be at Chester. It was founded by the Romans in about 60 AD as a strategic site for a garrison of occupying troops and as a harbour and an important base for the conquest of Wales. The Romans called the settlement Deva which was changed to the Saxon 'Caestre' (camp) after they left. The Newstead Roman Gallery tells Chester's the Roman story, including that of the Roman legion and everyday life. Guarding the entrance to the gallery is a life size model of a Roman legionary of about AD 60! Chester's real jewel is the amphitheatre, the largest stone amphitheatre in Britain. It could hold over 6000 spectators and was for training the legionaries in fighting techniques. You will see the Roman baths and Roman gardens. We'll also have time to explore more of this pretty city, famed for its city wall, cathedral and medieaval shopping 'rows'. Ribchester, our next stop, is located in the picturesque village of Ribchester, set in the beautiful countryside of the Ribble Valley. The Roman fort, called 'Bremetennacum Veteranorum', was established during the late first century AD. A thriving civilian settlement, or 'vicus', quickly developed outside the fort. Roman Ribchester is brought to life at the local museum by dramatic displays which contain a life size cavalryman, Roman legionary and exciting interactive exhibits. There are wonderful objects, including weaponry, jewellery and leatherwork, which have never been seen before, alongside favourites like the replica of the Ribchester Parade Helmet and the impressive sculpture of a cavalryman riding down his Celtic adversary. We can also see the external remains of the Roman granaries. Ruins of the Roman bath houses are visible near the White Bull Pub where we can take the opportunity of sampling the local beer!	Borders
DAY TWO - THURSDAY
Hadrian's Wall Nearly 2000 years ago, in 122 AD, the Emperor Hadrian embarked on a huge undertaking - to mark the northernmost boundary of Roman Britain with an unusually long fortified wall. Skirmishing tribes were contained behind it for over 350 years and Hadrian's name written indelibly into the history of this remote part of the UK. As a World Heritage Site, Hadrian's Wall has been recognised for its international importance as an evocative monument to one of the world's greatest civilisations. Not only is it the most important structure built by the Romans in Britain, but it is the best-known frontier in the entire Roman Empire. Large parts of Hadrian's Wall are still visible. There is a host of fascinating forts and museums waiting to be discovered with 73 miles, from Wallsend to Bowness, studded with forts, milecastles, temples and turrets. These 2000 year-old remains are brought brilliantly to life by museums, reconstructions and fascinating visitor centres. We promise a day to be remembered and savoured!	Borders
DAY THREE - FRIDAY
We'll begin our day in the town of Carlisle and the Tullie House Border Galleries, telling the story of the 'Debatable Lands' which are made up of Carlisle, Cumbria and the Borders. The museum has many artefacts which were gathered from the north west region of the Roman Province of Britannia. It gives a vivid account of the life of the Roman military and the civilians under their control in this remote outpost. There are examples of nearly everything that was used in everyday life from items such as sewing kits to the letters the soldiers would write home to their families. It is also an interactive museum in that the visitor can experience the thrill of travel by riding the Roman saddle, or wander down a Roman street. For those who are more adventurous, there is the opportunity to try out replicas of the Roman soldiers weapons and artillery. Next, our Roman theme offers an excellent excuse - if one were needed! - to tour through some of the most breathtaking scenery in the British Isles, the Lake District. First to Ambleside, one of the Lake's atmospheric towns, for a minor Roman Fort, picturesquely situated on the northern edge of Lake Windermere. Next to Hardknott and probably the most strikingly sited to be seen in the Roman world. It is perched high upon a rocky spur overlooking the River Esk from the south-east, with a superb view south-westwards towards the Irish Sea. The approach from the east along the course of the Roman road from Ambleside through the Wrynose and the Hardknott Passes is most exhilarating. The small stream which once fed the bath-house standing outside the fort's southern defences makes the final approach particularly boggy but the remains of the fort, on very uneven ground, makes the arduous drive and short (but muddy) walk most rewarding. The spectacular stone defensive circuit is complete with gateways, corner and interval-towers and the buildings of the central range are all evident. 'O me miserum'! Regrettably, it's time to head south and to return to Manchester where tour participants will either travel onward or sat awhile in this great city. Accommodation tonight is not included in your tour price but can be booked on a B&B basis by Back-Roads Touring Co. Ltd at £45 for a half-twin and £60 for a single. If you are staying longer, transfers to your point of departure can be arranged. Visit this web site to see a map of Roman Britain