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Pocket Tours, iPhone guides and tours

#Alongthewallin80days - Day 54

Samantha's picture
Sun, 06/07/2014 - 20:32 -- Samantha

Arbeia Roman Fort and Museum

arbeia_4_0.jpg

Sitting on top of a hill in South Shields, overlooking the River Tyne, Arbeia Roman Fort is an important part in the Hadrian’s Wall story. Built around AD160, Arbeia was an active garrison that guarded the shipping routes to Hadrian’s Wall, playing an essential role in the mighty frontier system.   

Based four miles east of the end of Hadrian's Wall at South Shields, the Fort was originally built to house a garrison and soon became the military supply base for the 17 Forts along the Wall.     

The museum, which celebrated its 60th year in 2013, houses some of the remains that have been found in and around the site since excavations began in the late 1800’s. There are also some impressive full-scale reconstructions at Arbeia, including the West Gate, the Commanding Officer’s house and a barrack block. These reconstructions show the scale of Roman military architecture as well as highlighting the very different living conditions of a soldier, Centurion and Commanding Officer, giving visitors a unique insight to Roman life.    

Arbeia has one of the finest collections of finds from Roman Britain, and more objects are being uncovered each year, as archaeologists continue to excavate this fascinating site.  This year volunteers from the local community will be involved through the Wallquest community archaeology project.

2014 will see an exciting programme of events at Arbeia, from Roman re-enactments to a folk festival. Visit www.arbeiaromanfort.org.uk for all event and exhibition information.

Open from 31 March, Monday – Sunday. Please see website for opening times as they are subject to change.        

Arbeia is one of three museums forming the Eastern Gateway to Hadrian’s Wall, along with Segedunum Roman Fort in Wallsend and the Great North Museum in Newcastle upon Tyne.  All three museums feature some of the most impressive Roman collections found along the Wall, as well as excavated buildings and reconstructions – and benefit from being easily accessed in locations in Newcastle City Centre and close to the beautiful North East coast.

Admission: FREE

T: +44 (0) 191 456 1369  W: arbeiaromanfort.org.uk E: info@arbeiaromanfort.org.uk

Twitter: @arbeiaromanfort  Facebook: facebook.com/arbeiaromanfort

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