ROMAN TOWNS, FORTS & FRESCOES
From the subterranean vestiges of Roman Canterbury to the unique Bacchic frescoes in Dover’s Painted House, Kent is steeped in Roman history. Richborough was probably the site of Claudius’ invasion in AD 43, whilst the coastal fort at Reculver stood sentinel over a chain of fortifications that stretched from the Isle of Wight to the Wash.
Our course begins with an exploration of Roman Canterbury, Durovernum Cantiacorum, first mentioned in the 2nd century Antonine Itinerary. We will trace the route of the Roman town wall before visiting Canterbury’s Roman Museum, erected around the remains of a town house complete with in situ mosaics. Nor will we neglect the rich early Christian history of Canterbury: parts of St Martin’s Church date back to the 6th century.
Dover’s 2nd century AD Painted House formed part of a large mansio or official lodge for travellers about to cross the Channel. Whilst the tile and flint walls and elaborate hypocaust are worth a visit in themselves, it is the guest-house’s colourful wall paintings – the most extensive in northern Europe – that steal the show.
Our final day will be largely devoted to the forts of Richborough and Reculver; the former still proudly boasts the walls of a magnificent Saxon shore fortress and the foundations of a monument built to commemorate the conquest of Britain. At Reculver, situated on the north coast near Herne Bay, we will discover not just the remains of a second Saxon fort but also the twin 12th century towers of a ruined Anglo-Saxon church.
Our host will be the three-star Canterbury Cathedral Lodge Hotel situated in the grounds of Canterbury Cathedral.
This tour will be led by Mark Corney BA, FSA a specialist in Roman history and presenter on Channel Four’s Time Team. An honorary research fellow at Bristol University, Mark is a former investigator with the Royal Commission on the Historical Monuments of England.
Itinerary
Day 1Course assembles 1600 at Canterbury Cathedral Lodge Hotel for two nights. Reception followed by illustrated talk: Pre-historic and Roman Archaeology of Kent.
Day 2Morning: walk around walls (including Roman gateway) of Canterbury followed by Roman Museum (Roman town house with mosaics) and 6th century St Martin’s Church. Afternoon: Dover’s Painted House (finest wall-paintings in Britain). Evening talk.
Day 3Richborough (major Roman port): Roman fort and amphitheatre followed by Sandwich (historic Cinque Port). Afternoon: Roman fort of Reculver (garrison headquarters, fine bath-house, Anglo-Saxon church). Course disperses 1700 at hotel, 1730 at Canterbury railway station.
Cost includes: accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, drinks reception, breakfast & dinner, excursions & admissions (except in the case of English Heritage properties, where English Heritage members gain free access on production of their membership card - any non-members are required to pay the relevant admission charge upon entry).
Not included: travel insurance, single room supplement £65.
