The Arbeia Roman Fort is situated a couple of minutes walk from the Kingsmere Guest House in South Shields. Here we give an overview of the history of the fort and the great work that the Arbeia Society do in keeping fresh and interesting the connection with South Shields’ Roman past.
Arbeia Roman Fort – Excavations & Reconstructions
One of the fascinating attractions in the South Shields area is Arbeia Roman Fort which is located near the mouth of the river Tyne. This fort was originally built in about AD 160 as accomodation for a Roman garrison to guard the entrance to the river Tyne, at the location now known as South Shields, as part of the frontier system incorporating Hadrian's Wall. There was quite a marked difference between the Roman climate and that in South Shields, prompting the commander to design and build a dwelling integrating a number of sophisticated heating systems.
In addition to comfort, the head of this settlement had another purpose which helped to motivate his project, this was to impress the barbarians or Britunculi, with a display of skill and sophistication - confirming that the Roman conquerors were superior, intelligent and advanced. This aim culminated in the production of one of the most important structures discovered in Roman excavation.
This fully excavated example of a commanding officers home offers a detailed plan which can be easily followed by modern architects. Tourists, students and architects also flock to South Shield's Arbeia Fort to see the amazing, authentically reconstructed buildings which give a unique and exciting insight into life in Roman Britain.
The Arbeia Society – Re- enactments and Conferences in South Shields
The Arbeia Society are an interest group formed in South Shields in1992, who actively promote the study of Arbeia Roman Fort as well as other Roman sites and focusing on the North East. The Society host a major yearly conference with various themes relating to Hadrian's Wall and Roman Britain, there are also occasional lectures and social meetings.
The Arbeia Society in South Shields raises money to fund archaeological research projects and has produced a selection of historical journals. These and other publications relating to Roman Britain including a booklet noting points of interest along the South Shields coastline are available to purchase on the Society's website. The benefits of belonging to this society can include assisting with archaeological research, involvement in on- site excavations and fieldwork.
Reconstruction Archaeology - Quinta
A sub-group of the Arbeia Society was set up and exists to raise interest and awareness concentrating on the Romans, in the South Shields area in particular. Members of Quinta, research, reconstruct and present information about Roman Britain in the early third century. Anyone who is interested can join these societies and the fort is the location for monthly meetings where information is exchanged, the required kit is assessed, events are planned and displays are practised.
There are public appearances made at the fort, at shows and exhibitions, re-enactments involving demonstrations of Roman military and civilian life in Britain. Members will also occasionally attend conferences, lectures, filming and school visits dressed as Roman soldiers or civilians. Authenticity is taken extremely seriously with members being required to buy or make their own kit.....!
Tourist Attractions in South Shields
Arbeia Fort is hailed by visitors as a jewel in the South Shields area for reasons of historic interest, education and tourism. Both adults and children will be delighted by the re-enactments and scenes of ancient daily life played out by society members.
The next Arbitrate Society conference is scheduled on Saturday 19th November 2011 and is titled 'A Roman Imperial Family in Northern Britain: the Campaigns of Septimius Severus and Their Consequences'. For more information about this event visit the Arbeia Society website.
The Arbeia Fort is just one of the many visitor attractions in the South Shields area which is a magnet for tourists. Additional places of interest in this area include beautiful parks, museums and galleries. Kingsmere Guest House is an ideal location from which to explore this fun filled region being in the heart of facilities, shops, transport, pubs and restaurants. People wishing to attend the Arbeia Society conference in November will find this a convenient and friendly place to stay.
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