‘Aldborough… was the site of the Roman town of Isurium Brigantum, the administrative centre of the civitas of the Brigantes and one of the most northerly cities of the Roman Empire.’
‘Isurium Brigantum’
Rose Ferraby and Martin Millett FSA
University of Cambridge
The Friends of Roman Aldborough (FORA)
Welcome to our website – come and join us
Modern-day Aldborough was Isurium Brigantum, one of only seventeen regional capitals (civitates) in Roman Britain. It was the administrative and trading centre for an area stretching from Derbyshire to Hadrian’s Wall, previously ruled by the Iron-Age Brigantes. Many other civitates are now under large cities but Isurium is just beneath our feet. Recent investigations by the University of Cambridge Aldborough Roman Town Project increasingly excite both archaeologists and historians by revealing the importance of Isurium Brigantum within the Roman Empire. We are an educational charity, and our objectives are to promote knowledge of Roman history, life and culture and, especially, the significance of Roman Aldborough, to people of all ages.
Aldborough Heritage Open Day – Sunday 20 September
In partnership with the Grade 1-listed St Andrew’s Church, Aldborough Roman Site will hold a free-entry Heritage Open Day during the Cambridge University archaeological dig. See the Roman site and garden, and enjoy tea/coffee and cakes in the church. For full details, download the Open Day poster.
Special Dig Open Days
Aldborough Roman Site will be open for self-led tours during the coming dig from 11:00 – 16:00 on the following dates. The Museum building will not, however, be open on Mondays and Wednesdays:
Sunday 30 August; Sunday 6 September; Monday 7 September; Wednesday 9 September; Friday 11 September; Sunday 13 September; Monday 14 September; Wednesday 16 September; Friday 18 September; Sunday 20 September and Sunday 27 September.
English Heritage Aldborough Roman Town Site
Aldborough Roman Site and museum will be open from 11:00-16:00, on every Sunday and every 3rd Friday of the month from April to end October 2026. Further details are available on the English Heritage website.