Monday 9 September 2013

Romans in Ravenglass

...not to mention Britons and a few archaeologists!
Last weekend saw the last in our series of events marking the 10th Anniversary of the Opening of the Hadrian's Wall Trail.  The Deja Crew travelled to the farthest point of the Hadrian's Wall World Heritage Site in Cumbria - Ravenglass.  There just a few minutes stroll south of the village is the Fort, vicus and Bath House of Glannoventa.
Archaeologists are on site for a month-long exploration, check their blog - Romans in Ravenglass. for the latest news and finds.

The Crew were on the Platform of the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway where Victor was gathering voluntarii for the Army, Muriel pedalling herbs and willow garlands, while Sulwyn made charms.

Victor tries to gain recruits from the Station Staff...

...after issuing some kit and a short training session! 

Garland and a charm to protect against bad luck.
Potter Gaius Bellicus, and Nest the Weaver worked at the  Pennington Arms Hotel showing the skills that made Britain famous across the Roman Empire for the quality of it's exports.

Shamus travelled between us and the Bath House, with tales of Britain, Rome and the Sea.


Meanwhile the recruits seemed to get smaller, 



and smaller...


and smaller still!


Despite the weather, many people took the time to explore the heritage of Ravenglass with us, some even coming back on Sunday for more!




Thanks to everyone, who helped us make the two days so much fun.

Wednesday 4 September 2013

Romans in Ravenglass - 7/8 September 2013

The Deja Crew are over in Cumbria at Ravenglass as part of the 'Lives in the Landscape' celebration.  This is a month long series of events celebrating the lives, past and present, all taking place in Ravenglass and Eskdale.  As their press release says,

Find out who has walked this on this landscape before you - was it the Romans, Vikings or Wainwright enthusiasts? Have you ever pondered who pulls the pints in pub, runs the post office and village shop or farms the land? Maybe wondered who lives in the castle on hill and how a narrow-gauge railway ended up in the Western Lake District?
That is our living landscape, shaped by people from the past and the present and the custodians of some of the finest landscapes, coast and heritage in England.  The community of Ravenglass and Eskdale offer inspiration, relaxation, and contemplation as they open the valley for a month long celebration of their lives in this rugged and beautiful landscape. 
It's a FREE EVENT,  no booking required.

Victor the Veteran will be there, moving around the village between the Pennington Hotel, The Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway and the Site of the Fort of Glannoventa - could be translated as the "Market-by-the-Shore"; although some think it's called Itunocelum.  Archaeologists are on site for a month-long exploration, and they will be blogging - Romans in Ravenglass. 

Potter Gaius Bellicus, and Nest the Weaver will show the importance of crafts-people to local trade, as they demonstrate their skill at weaving and potting. They will be at the Pennington Arms Hotel from 11:00am until 4:00pm on Saturday and from 10:30am until 4:00pm and Sunday.

On the Platform of the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway there will be Herbs and Willow Weaving with Muriel, and Sulwyn making Charms to keep you safe and give you luck. They'll be plying their trade from 11:00am until 4:00pm on Saturday and from 10:30am until 4:00pm and Sunday

On Sunday  Shamus the Storyteller  will be out and about, moving around the village and out to the Bathhouse and Fort.  Look out for signs or just tag along as he gathers the crowds.

Thanks to Hadrian's Wall Trust and Photographer, Andrew Heptinstall for the image

If you are near Ravenglass at the weekend, come and join us!