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Town braced for 'Roman invasion'

15/ 9/2001

THE ancient past is marching back into Cheshire again as the Romans return.

Middlewich has geared up for an ‘‘invasion’’ of legionnaires and their camp followers this weekend - though it is 2,000 years since the Roman Empire set up a fort in the town.

A £90,000 Heritage Lottery Fund grant is helping to fund a whole range of historical events, featuring the Romans and culminating in a weekend of pageantry on Saturday and Sunday.

Members of Britain’s leading Roman re-enactment group, the Ermine Street Guard, are setting up camp on the site of the old fort at Harbutt’s Field, with weapons, cavalry and artillery.

The Roman Middlewich Festival is also seeing the public opening of a Roman trail through the town and the unveiling of a new exhibition displaying the wide range of artefacts found during archaeological digs locally.

Activities on Harbutt’s Field include live music, clay and mosaic workshops - even rides on a Roman galley. Over the two days the Ermine Street Guard are also staging military manoeuvres.

Rich heritage

Cheshire county council’s principal archaeologist Adrian Tindall said: ‘‘Middlewich was a Roman settlement for 300 years, with recent archaeological digs uncovering a wealth of fascinating artefacts.

‘‘To date little has been published about our rich heritage and, for the first time ever, this festival enables us to share and celebrate the past with the local and wider community.’’

The weekend event is free, and visitors can browse a Roman market and even enjoy Roman style baking.

County and local councillor Dave Sutton said: ‘‘We are delighted that the local community and schools are playing a key role in this unprecedented event.

‘‘We are looking forward to seeing thousands of people enjoying themselves over the weekend.’’

The programme is a result of a partnership involving Cheshire county council, Congleton borough council, archaeological consultants Gifford and Partners, Middlewich town council and Middlewich Heritage Society. The occasion is providing the backdrop for the launch of a new guidebook covering the town’s Roman history.