When you think of Romano-British architecture, you might picture towering columns, grand amphitheatres, or intricate mosaic floors—like our own stunning Orpheus Mosaic, discovered at Barton Farm, just outside of Cirencester 200 years ago. But did you know that Roman builders had more in common with modern LEGO® enthusiasts than you might expect?
In this first of a two-part blog entry, James Harris, our Collections Engagement Officer, presents a fabulous selection of artefacts recently donated to Corinium Museum by two metal detectorists from Fairford. They were found across various locations in the Cotswolds and date from the late prehistoric period through to the post medieval, spanning at least 2500 years.
The amphitheatre in Cirencester is the second biggest in Britain after the one found in London, it dates as far back as the early 2nd Century, and could have held the entire population of Corinium at its height, around 8,000 people.
If you step back in time to Roman Corinium in the month of December, you might just find that some things seem very familiar
It was an early start to the day on Tuesday to take the two Roman cavalry swords down to Portsmouth. It’s not every day you can say that you’ve taken nearly 2,000-year-old objects somewhere in your car!
A rare and important find has been unearthed in the Cotswold District. Two Roman cavalry swords along with remnants of their wooden scabbards and fitments were discovered by Glenn Manning during a metal detectorist rally in the north of the Cotswolds. There was also a broken copper alloy bowl discovered with the weaponry.
I was really lucky in having the opportunity to come to the Corinium Museum for two weeks as a placement with the Roman Society, where I was able to gain valuable experience working in a museum environment and with public engagement.
During March and April 2022, we ran an online art psychotherapy group for adults who were under the care of Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust mental health recovery teams. I am an Art Psychotherapist and I ran the group with Jessica Goodman, Mental Health Nurse.
Local vineyards and winemakers are preparing to celebrate English Wine Week from June 18th. This festival may be very new to the calendar, but the roots of English wine run all the way back to Roman Britain, and perhaps even before.
