Roman fort prepares for a historic commotion

A County Durham visitor attraction is preparing to turn back the clock almost 2000 years with three days of Roman cavalry, warriors and ancient artillery.

Binchester Roman Fort, near Bishop Auckland, will host a living history weekend from August 29 to 31, bringing one of the North’s most significant Roman sites to life over the Bank Holiday.

Highlights will include cavalry displays from The Yorkshire Knight and his horse Raven, alongside artillery demonstrations by Roma Antiqua and a Germanic warrior encampment.

Visitors will also be able to try pottery making and meet archaeologists from the Portable Antiquities Scheme, with opportunities to handle genuine Roman artefacts.

Family activities will include crafts, guided tours and a new Action Stations trail, while younger visitors can dress as Roman soldiers and archaeologists.

The event comes as Binchester, now part of The Auckland Project, benefits from enhanced visitor facilities, a new gift shop and refreshed food and drink offering.

Originally known as Vinovia, the fort was founded around AD 80 to guard Dere Street and the crossing of the River Wear.

Today, it contains some of Britain’s best-preserved Roman remains, including substantial walls, the commanding officer’s house and a hypocaust underfloor heating system within its bathhouses.

Dr John Castling, archaeology curator at The Auckland Project and Binchester Roman Fort manager, said: “There is no better way to understand Binchester than to see it filled with the sights and sounds of the Roman world again.

“This weekend will give visitors the chance to experience everything from cavalry and artillery to crafts and archaeology, while discovering the remarkable story of the people who lived and worked here almost 2000 years ago.

“Binchester is one of the most significant Roman sites in the North and we want people of all ages to come along, get involved and see just how exciting its history can be – and bring your four legged friends along too!”

Palace Pizza will also return during the weekend, serving stone-baked sourdough pizzas between noon and 4pm.

The event runs from 10am until 4.30pm each day and is included with a Bishop’s Key or standard fort admission, priced at £8 for adults and £5 for children aged five to 15. For more information, click here.

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