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Richborough or Chichester ?
#1
Salvete Omnes,

In doing research for my trip to England this December...I was planning on visiting the Roman Fortress & Baths and museum in Caerleon. Well it seems I will not be doing that, but will be going to other Roman sites instead. The reason I won't be going is because I just found out that the museum at Caerleon will be closing this September 2nd for essential roof maintenance and won't be reopening till "Autumn 2019"! Although I believe you can still go to the fortress and amphitheatre. I thought you all may want to know this information incase anyone else here at RAT may be planning a trip to visit there within that time period. Hope this helps. 
I have a few questions that I hope someone can answer. I am want to do a day trip out of London to either the Richborough Roman Fort and Amphitheatre in Kent or to Chichester in Sussex to see the Roman Palace and museum, etc. My questions are - Has anyone been to theses two places? If so, which one would be the better place to visit? Also does either one have a better museum? Any information would be greatly appreciated! 
 
Salve Sis,
Thomas
Thomas Guenther
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#2
Both are impressive, but while Chichester has some nice remains of the Late Roman walls, of course Richborough is not built over and the seperate phases are visible.

Did you consider Silchester or St Albans?
Robert Vermaat
MODERATOR
FECTIO Late Romans
THE CAUSE OF WAR MUST BE JUST
(Maurikios-Strategikon, book VIII.2: Maxim 12)
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#3
(07-17-2018, 11:22 AM)Robert Vermaat Wrote: Both are impressive, but while Chichester has some nice remains of the Late Roman walls, of course Richborough is not built over and the seperate phases are visible.

Did you consider Silchester or St Albans?

I have not. I'm not familiar with them. I will research them too.

Thanks much,
Thomas
Thomas Guenther
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#4
The museum at Fishbourne Palace (3-4km outside Chichester) is more impressive, but Richborough is a purely military site so may be of more interest.  There are some scant remains or Reculver Roman fort not far from Richborough.


The finds from Silchester are in Reading museum not far from the site (worth a trip for their impressive copy of the Bayeux Tapestry which the Victorian ladies of England "improved" by adding underpants to some of the naked figures!).  St Albans has a very nice museum with mosaics - but not very military in content if that is your focus.

If you want a late Roman fortress, Portchester Castle near Portsmouth is excellent (with a Norman castle in one corner).

Again, though, check opening times - you will see so much more if you are able to defer your trip until Easter.  And for all these, a hire car would be much easier than public transport as the sites can be quite remote.

That said, with the current state of Brexit negotiations, the UK is probably heading for no deal so maybe visiting before 29 March 2019 is better!

Regards,
John
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#5
John,

Thanks for the information. It helps out a lot and at the same time complicates things. First off, we are pretty much set for the time when we are going. And yes I am more interested in the military aspect roman history and life. I'm particularly interested in certain legions. One is II Augusta. I will do some more research on the places you suggested. I haven't made any definite plans yet on which place(s) to visit. Thanks again for your help!

Thomas
Thomas Guenther
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#6
The tower of London has some markers showing where some of the Roman fort walls were located before the tower was erected if I remember correctly. I haven't been able to get to the Roman sites in England due to most of my family members wanting to go elsewhere but I do recall this being a small victory for me when I saw it! Smile

So if the Tower is in your itinerary, consider keeping your eyes peeled, its not a wasted effort for fans of Rome.
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#7
Chris,

Thank you for the information. I actually have been to London three times and yes there quite a few Roman sites in London and not just at London Tower. There is one site right next to the Museum of London that is nice and there other sites, but they are a bit harder to get to due to the fact that they are located underneith buildings. I will be trying to see some of those.

Cheers,
Thomas
Thomas Guenther
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