Romans to invade at Corbridge heritage site

Posted by The Journal on Aug 27, 09 09:00 AM in What's On

Vikings v Romans Two of the most fearsome armies to conquer Northumberland will be going head to head at the weekend.

The strength of the Romans and the ferocity of the Vikings overpowered the county at separate times, with both having long-lasting influences, and both will be explored at two separate events over the coming bank holiday weekend.

From Sunday, August 30 to Monday, August 31, the Roman City Life event at Corbridge Roman Town will give an insight into what life was like during Roman times when they invaded the north of England in about AD 70, before building Hadrian's Wall and the forts along it in AD122.

Visitors can meet civilians and soldiers, traders and crafts people, going back in time to see how the mighty Roman warriors worked and played with superb displays of exciting Roman games on horse back and horse racing.

Visitors will also find themselves coming face to face with off duty soldiers from Hadrian's Wall. There will be demonstrations of pottery, Roman cooking and textiles, technology, games and pastimes. Children can take part in craft activities and join in junior military drill sessions.

Meanwhile, from Saturday, August 29 to Monday, August 31, The Making of England - Vikings! event will take visitors to Lindisfarne Priory back in time to experience its less tranquil days when the Vikings invaded Holy Island in AD 793.

Jon Hogan, events manager for English Heritage, said: "At Lindisfarne you will encounter vicious Vikings as they raid the North Eastern coast of England again. The raid of Lindisfarne was actually the first recorded Viking raid on Britain. Historical records state that the attack was sudden, unexpected and devastating.

"The Vikings do have a bit of bad press though. They're often known for terror and turmoil but they did also introduce important trading links, new culture and commerce to Britain. Visitors can explore this side of them in the Viking encampment and discover the rigours and entertainments of Viking campaigning."

Lindisfarne was the first of many monasteries they ransacked before their raiding took them to Scotland, Ireland, Wales and much of north-west Europe.

Visitors can relive the day that Lindisfarne was beset with a fierce re-enactment and grisly displays of combat culminating in a full-scale, deadly battle.

Mr Hogan said: "The football rivalry of the region is not really an issue this year, so English Heritage is posing a new question: are you a Roman or a Viking? We're asking people of the North East to choose their favourite and support their warriors by attending one of these events."

The Vikings at Lindisfarne event is at Lindisfarne Priory starts at 11am. Admission is ÃÂ£5, ÃÂ£4 concessions, ÃÂ£3 children. English Heritage members and under fives go free. Visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/lindisfarnepriory for more information. Visitors are advised to check Lindisfarne tide tables before setting out.

Roman City Life is at Corbridge Roman Town from 11am. Admission is ÃÂ£6, ÃÂ£5 concessions, ÃÂ£4 children. English Heritage members can attend this event at a discounted price of ÃÂ£1.50, concessions ÃÂ£1.20, children ÃÂ£1. Under fives go free. Booking is recommended for this event by calling 0870 3331183 or visiting www.english-heritage.org.uk/Corbridge

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