Living History Heritage Day

9th October 2004

Return of the Romans

Once again we were blessed with fine weather for a Town event The High street had its usual Market as well as some of the attractions for the Day. At the top of the High Street stands the Old Fire Station a building that is now being transformed into an arts centre following years of depravation. In the main area there were displays of Herbal medicines of the Roman and Medieval times with the medic dressed in full costume.  Behind the Old Fire station was an area that had been turned into a drill area for the Romans to train local militia.  The variety of uniform used illustrated the militia element of the display where any uniform that could be found was used by Militia. In the Same are the Romans set up a school for younger children to learn about life in the Roam army. the children were drilled with Latin commands and even learnt a Latin matching Rhyme!

In the Swan hotel on the High Street the local Women's Institute had researched genuine Roman food and put on a tasting display of their findings. Included in the feast were a form of beef burger, Bean and lentil soup, Elderberry Tart with Cumin and honey cream. or Cinnamon sweet cake. All very interesting if on occasions a little sweet. Regrettably some of the original ingredients can no longer be reproduced as the processes now contravene food hygiene rules such as a fish sauce that was prepared with some form of fermentation that is no longer allowed.

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