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Roman soldiers camp at historic house

A Roman army is preparing to invade a Northumberland estate after a successful raid last year. The Romans Return will see a series of events take place at the National Trust-run Wallington, near Cambo, over the bank holiday, showing how frontier soldiers would have lived.

Roman Soldiers are preparing to invade the National Trust s Wallington in Northumberland this May Bank Holiday after calls from visitors for a repeat of last year s popular family event [Credit: Morpeth Herald]
The family event is back by popular demand after more than 8,000 people attended last year’s Roman extravaganza.There will be re-enactments by York-based company Comitatus, who will set up camp in the central courtyard to put soldiers through their paces with Latin drill training, missile competitions and combat sparring, and the Cavalry squadron will be displaying their skills on horseback, such as archery and using the two-handed lance while riding.

Children will be able to handle everyday Roman objects in the camp and see craft demonstrations, as well as try 2,000-year-old games and drill training or pat a pony.

There will also be a family trail through the woods, with clues written in Latin.

Wallington Events and Promotions Manager Julie Tucker said: “Back in the second century AD, Wallington would have been north of Hadrian’s Wall in the heart of what the Romans saw as the barbarian lands and the end of civilisation as they knew it.

“It’s hard to imagine now just what a wild and inhospitable area this would have been 1,900 years ago, but Comitatus will be bringing the challenges of those times very much to life.”

She added: “This promises to be a fabulous event and a fun way for everyone to discover what it was like being a Roman on the northern frontier all those centuries ago.”

Events run on Sunday and Monday.

Trade secrets of ceramics conservation will be revealed at Wallington on Wednesday and Thursday in free demonstrations in the Central Hall.

The Conservation Team will hold the sessions between 1pm and 3.30pm.

For more information call 01670 773600.

Source: Morpeth Herald [May 05, 2012]

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