Welcome to Roman Aldborough
The village of Aldborough near Boroughbridge in North Yorkshire is the site of Isurium Brigantum, once one of the most important towns in Roman Britain.
The Friends of Roman Aldborough have been formed to promote Roman Aldborough. Find out more about us.
The Roman name for Aldborough
was Isurium Brigantum. The town was established sometime after AD74 when the Romans established themselves in Northern Britain, following an uprising by the Brigantes tribe. The Brigantes were the native people who ruled most of what is now Northern England from Hadrian’s Wall down to South Derbyshire.
Aldborough has been noted for its Roman relics throughout the ages, but at one time little value was attached to them and many have perished, including a number of mosaic pavements known to have been in existence until at least 1730. The Friends group has been set up to encourage people to explore their Roman heritage, offering new opportunities and experiences to help them discover their (Roman) past and to share their knowledge and expertise.The Aldborough Roman Town Project
Professor Martin Millett, Cambridge University and Rose Ferraby are currently undertaking a survey of the village using advanced geophysical techniques and the results so far have been very rewarding .The Aldborough Roman Town Project began in 2009, with the aim of learning more about the remains of Isurium Brigantium, and what it could reveal about Roman Britain.
Over the past twelve years a wide range of survey techniques has been used to map the buildings, roads and ditches as well as pulling together previous work in the area. A great deal has been discovered about this Roman town which was a very important centre of administration for much of northern Britain.
The town is conventionally seen as geographically marginal in the Roman province and of secondary importance to York. However, a pattern of planning has been uncovered with major hillside terracing and grand houses with sophisticated design and decoration suggesting a place of more significance and interest with a distinctive character of its own.
More information is available at http://aldboroughromantown.wordpress.com
Soundmarks Project
Rose Ferraby, archaeologist and artist and Rob St John artist and writer have developed a fascinating sound and visual art trail exploring the sub-surface of Aldborough funded by the Arts Council and the Friends of Roman Aldborough.
Enjoy the trail from the comfort of your own home or on your mobile phone following the map around the site.
More information is available at http://soundmarks.co.uk
Upcoming Events
Aldborough Roman Garden
A dedicated group of volunteers are creating a garden at Aldborough Roman Site. Visitors can now see plants that the Romans introduced to Britain including a wide range of vegetables and herbs that were used for medicinal purposes.
On Saturday, September 24, 2024 they were very pleased to welcome the Mayor of Boroughbridge, Councillor Pauline Phillips and her Consort Peter, to the presentation of a garden seat. The seat has been donated by a FORA member.
After the presentation, the gardeners led a tour of the garden, showing how the grassy area had been transformed into an immaculate, flourishing garden by their hard work.
Another donation to the garden is a beautiful notice board made by Jennyruth Workshops.
Now the different beds are well organised, the next phase in the garden is to work on the planned orchard.
2024 Programme of Events
We are delighted to have another exciting and varied programme of talks and visits. Following our successful programme of Zoom talks, we will start the year with an online talk. We will then be hosting live talks in Aldborough.We hope that these will also be available online for those not wishing to travel.
Information on how to access these will be sent to members in the newsletters or by contacting secretary@romanaldborough.co.uk
2024 Visits
Once again we are organising visits to Roman sites and museums in London and the North of England. The following are included in the 2024 Programme:
A visit to The Society of Antiquaries with Professor Martin Millett, President and the ‘Legion: Life in the Roman Army’ exhibition at The British Museum.
A guided walk around Coldstones Cut and Greenhow lead mines led by Shirley Everett, geologist and local mine historian.
A guided walk around Roman York led by Professor Martin Millett.
A tour of the Great North Museum, Newcastle led by Andrew Parkin, Keeper of Archaeology.
We hope that you are able to join us on some or all of these. Dates and further details will be available in the newsletters or by contacting secretary@romanaldborough.co.uk