All roads lead to the Romans at Corinium Museum this summer. (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

All roads lead to the Romans at Corinium Museum this summer.

11:00am Wednesday 21st July 2010 in Cotswolds news

CELEBRATE the 1600th anniversary of the end of Roman Britain at the Corinium Museum this summer.

The Romans occupied Britain for nearly four centuries before leaving these shores permanently in 410 AD, leaving behind a legacy of language, roads and effective water and sewage systems. To celebrate their influence, the Cirencester museum will be hosting a range of Roman-flavoured events in July and August.

The Museum's Festival of British Archaeology adopts a Roman theme on Thursday, July 22, with 'Through the Roman Keyhole', a reflective look at late Roman houses in Cirencester which explores excavations in Dyer Street and Beeches Road. This adult learning session runs from 2 -3.30pm and booking is recommended.

Either side of this event, on Tuesday, July 20 and 27, the museum will be hosting two Roman walks around Cirencester, with Museum Collections Assistant Georgina Hiscock identifying archaeological remains and highlighting some of the town's most important discoveries. Both walks start from the Museum at 10.30am Until Saturday August 21, the National Trust is staging a free exhibition at the Museum, profiling Chedworth Roman Villa: past, present and future. This exhibition will feature historic artefacts from the Chedworth site, many of which have not been seen before by the public.

On Wednesday July 2, there is an afternoon talk (2-4 pm) about the Roman Villa presented by Mark George, Visitor Services Manager at Chedworth, while in the following two weeks, the Villa's outreach team will be giving regular demonstrations of Roman crafts on Wednesday, July 28 and Tuesday, August 3. It is also worth highlighting that Alison Brookes, the Museum's Archaeological Officer, will be delivering a short Treasure of the Month presentation on Tuesday July 27, (12.30-1pm) which will showcase the end of Roman Corinium.

For younger people, join Emma Stuart and Amanda Hart for a series of fun sessions to help recreate Roman life in Britain. These are all bookable via local libraries and include: Monday, July 26, a drop-in session where you can make a Roman helmet; Wednesday, July 28, drop-in session to make a Roman shield; Tuesday, August 3, family workshop exploring Roman houses; Wednesday, August 4, drop-in session to make a Roman Standard; Thursday, August 5,drop-in event, making a pop-up Roman garden.

For more information about any of the Museum events or to book a ticket for a talk, walk or workshop, please call 01285 655611 or visit www.cotswold.gov.uk/go/museum