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Silchester, Hampshire

Roman Wall at Silchester - this image is copyright free

The finest surviving example of a Roman town in Britain is at Silchester in Hampshire. The town, called Calleva in Roman times, was completely abandoned after the Romans left Britain, and this abandonment meant that the site was left undisturbed. Defensive walls still survive in places, up to four meters high, but within the walls there initially seems to be nothing other than fields, a church and a single house. The best time to visit and appreciate what is actually sitting just below the ground is during July and August when the University of Reading carries out its annual excavation at the site. Visitors are welcome and may view the excavation from two raised walkways with ramp access. Activity sheets are available for children, and visitors can try their hand at excavation in the "dig pit". Group visits and school visits can be catered for, and activities can be arranged if sufficient warning is given. All of this is done free of charge, so Silchester would be an excellent choice for a school visit. For exact dates of the excavation, to order a schools' pack, and to confirm dates of Open Days when expert talks and demonstrations are offered, contact the Department of Archeology at Reading University - details below.

Many items excavated from Silchester can be viewed at Reading Museum.

Directions: Leave the M4 at junction 11 and follow the A33 towards Basingstoke. Take the third exit at the next roundabout into Mereoak Lane. Follow the road through Mortimer, and you will then see a left turn signposted Silchester. Follow brown tourist signs from this point. Click here for an interactive road satellite map centred on Silchester.

Access: If you are disabled it is worth contacting Reading University in advance so that special arrangements can be made for you.

Contact: University of Reading

telephone: 0118 378 6255

web site: http://www.silchester.rdg.ac.uk/

English Heritage web site (for City Walls and Amphitheatre) http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/silchester-roman-city-walls-and-amphitheatre/