Going out ... 'Roman' Visits in Kent

Some suggestions for visits

• Canterbury Roman Museum, Butchery Lane, is built around remains of fine mosaic floors and the hypocaust of a Roman town house. Displays about town life in Roman Canterbury and computer reconstruction program showing archaeologists' interpretation of the excavations at the site. Hands-on area of Roman finds and replicas (+44 (0)1227 785575).
• Museum of Canterbury, Stour St, is housed in a fine Medieval building. Finds, pictorial displays, reconstructions etc. up to the present times. A Visitor Services Officer serves both these museums and deals with Education related matters (+44 (0)1227 452747).
• Canterbury's Roman town wall. A section of Roman masonry wall can be seen incorporated into a later Medieval church wall. Take St. Radigund's St. off Northgate and a few metres along look across the grassed area to your left. The Roman (lower) part of the wall is made of large, rounded flints. Open access.
• Roman Quenin Gate, Canterbury. Located in the city wall in Broad St. car park (about 16 metres to the right (north) of the present day Queningate steps leading into the Cathedral Precincts. Masonry blocks and some red Roman brick work survive in the arch of this postern gateway which was not blocked until the 15th century. Open access.
• Richborough Roman Fort (near Sandwich). Impressive standing remains of Late Roman fort which served as a coastal defence against Anglo-Saxon invasions. The site also commemorates the victory of the Claudian invasion. Small on-site museum refurbished in 1999. Open April to October. An English Heritage site (EH +44 (0)1732 778000 or the site +44 (0)1304 612013.
• Reculver Roman Fort. Another of the 'Saxon Shore Forts' as Richborough. Roman remains here are quite scant, but successful visits can also encompass work on the seashore and sea defences. An English Heritage site and part of Reculver Country Park (+44 (0)1843-865002.
• Roman Painted House, New St. Dover. Extensive remains of a town house with standing painted walls and hypocaust system. Also a section of the later Roman fort wall built on top of the house remains. Whole area housed in a museum with displays and finds from other periods. Open all year to schools (special talks, teacher pack). (+44 (0)1304 203279 for booking) April - September to general public.
• Roman lighthouse (the Pharos), Dover Castle. The only survivor of an original pair which flanked the Roman harbour. Lower 13 metres are of Roman construction, the rest Medieval (+44 (0)1304 201628).
• Dover Museum, the Market Square, Dover. See Kent Contacts.
• Lullingstone Roman Villa, 3 miles south of Swanley. The first house dates back to the first century AD with alterations throughout the Roman period. Evidence of early Christianity with small chapel with wall paintings. Fine mosaic floors. An English Heritage site under cover (+44 (0)1732-778000.
• Crofton Roman Villa, nr. Orpington rail station. Villa estate with remains of house, barns and outbuildings. Hypocaust (heating) system visible. Displays, hands-on area and taped commentary. Special talks for schools. 'Schools Week' in October. Holiday activities for children. Separate Roman bath-house in the vicinity and Bromley Museum nearby. Must ring to arrange visits (Bromley Museum +44 (0)1689-873826 or Kent Archaeological Rescue Unit +44 (0)181-4624737).
• Maidstone Museum, St Faith's Street, Maidstone. Displays and handling sessions for school groups. Themes include Roman Arms and Armour, The Romans in Britain. Originals and replicas used (+44 (0)1622-754497).
• See an excavation in progress whenever possible.

Archaeology, Past and Present How can Archaeology help children to learn? Archaeology is exciting National Curriculum History Special Needs A cross-curricular approach What do Archaeologists do? A guide to excavation techniques and finds processing Archaeology in the classroom Introducing some basic concepts Using objects to find out about people How to find out more Kent and national contacts Books and computer software

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