NEWS FEED
Rotten Romans will be taking over the Priest’s House Museum and Garden in Wimborne as part of this weekend’s History Festival.
On Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 July, from 10am-4.30pm, visitors will be able to meet a Roman soldier, discover what the Romans ate, and explore the Crummy Curators exhibition. Other historical activities will include lacemaking by Wimborne Lacemakers and, on the Sunday only, a series of author talks. Somerset and Dorset Family History Society will also have a stand.
The Roman soldiers will be kitted out in Roman legionary uniform and displaying equipment that would have been used at a large Roman fort. Visitors will discover what it is like to wear and maintain a full military kit.
They will also be able to explore a Roman culinary display and taste some food based on Roman recipes.
The Crummy Curators exhibition has been created by pupils from Queen Elizabeth’s School in Wimborne. They discovered how to curate a museum display exploring Roman life, and worked with illustrator Martin Brown, graphic designer Richard Broadway, and creative writer Sara Hurley, to produce a series of accompanying information panels.
Philip Elston, historical fiction author, who has published the Badbury Trilogy, will be at the museum on the Sunday. His working life began in the Royal Navy before being ordained. He later spent time in Malawi as a chaplain and as a housemaster at a school. While there he followed up his interest in history and began writing, which continued after his return to the UK. He will be talking about his experiences of writing historical fiction, in particular about the Dark Ages and King Arthur.
A life-sized artwork of a Roman centurion, created by artist Darrell Wakelam at the museum during the week leading up to the Wimborne History Festival, will also be on display. Admission to the Priest’s House will be free.
Visitors can combine a visit to the museum with a range of other town centre activities taking place on the Saturday and Sunday, and explore the main Wimborne History Festival site at Lake Gates (admission ticket charges apply). Go to www.wimbornehistoryfestival.org.uk for more details.
