Roman-themed fun day in South Tyneside as history brought to life

Families enjoyed a day on the front line as a fun day was held in South Tyneside.
Families were able to enjoy a day on the front line.Families were able to enjoy a day on the front line.
Families were able to enjoy a day on the front line.

A range of Roman activities took place at Arbeia Roman Fort, in Baring Street, South Shields.

Visitors watched as cavalrymen were kitted out with their full battle equipment, and horses.

Levi Mason at the Roman Fort fun day.Levi Mason at the Roman Fort fun day.
Levi Mason at the Roman Fort fun day.
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Demonstrations took place, including a battle between two Roman troops and two Barbarian warriors, while there was a Roman chariot ride pulled by a mini pony in Roman-style battle dress for the younger children.

The event was organised by Tyne and Wear Museums Service, and starred a number of history enthusiasts from across the country.

Among those who took part was John Wright, from Rotherham, who played the part of Roman troop ‘Nobiscum’.

He said: “We had a lot of very nice comments, and everyone seemed to enjoy it.

Emily Veitch takes a mini chariot ride at the fun day.Emily Veitch takes a mini chariot ride at the fun day.
Emily Veitch takes a mini chariot ride at the fun day.
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“Not everything went quite according to plan, which you have to expect sometimes if animals are involved.

“We’ve had lads here from Chesterfield, Manchester and other places, and we come together for events like this because we’re interested in history. We go all over the country doing different events.

“We try to entertain as much as educate. Rather than preaching to them and giving them a lesson, we try to make it interesting and bring the history to life.”

Visitors were able to discover what training and daily life consisted off in a cavalry unit, and witness a four-horse display with sword play, javelins, lances, jumps and archery, while cheering on their favourite to win the battle.

Horseman John Wright with horse Cookie.Horseman John Wright with horse Cookie.
Horseman John Wright with horse Cookie.
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They could also take part in horse crafts in the commanding officer’s house in the event, which was free to attend.

Claire Collins was there with her children Rory, 7, Kobe, 8, and Luke, 13.

She said: “The children really enjoyed it, and had a great day out.

“They particularly liked it in the commanding officer’s house, where there was little rooms and bedrooms for them to explore.

“It was great to bring them to the event, and nice that the history was brought to life for them.”