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Places to Visit in Chichester, Sussex
Fishbourne Roman Palace
Salthill Road, Fishbourne
Chichester
Sussex
PO19 3QS
Tel: +44(0)1243 785859
Email: click here
Fishbourne Roman Palace online: information and bookings
Fishbourne Roman Palace was discovered by accident during the digging of a water main trench in 1960. The discovery led to nine seasons of excavations that showed the site had developed from a military base at the time of the Roman invasion in AD43 to a sumptuous Palace by the end of the first century. Over the last five years, new excavations by the Sussex Archaeological Society have revealed exciting new insights into this development.
This story is told in an entertaining audio-visual programme and also in the site museum, with the addition of fascinating artefacts from the excavations along with plans, reconstruction drawings and models. The remains of the North Wing of the Palace are enclosed within a cover building for their protection and for the comfort of the visitors. Here can be seen the largest collection of in-situ mosaics in Britain including the famous Cupid on a Dolphin mosaic.
Outside, the northern half of the formal garden has been replanted to its original plan as recovered by excavation. An attractive plant display area contains a range of plants known to have been cultivated by the Romans. Adjacent to it is a Roman Garden Museum which includes a reconstructed Roman potting shed with a selection of horticultural tools.
Education is a primary role of the Roman Palace. There is a comprehensive education programme with a special emphasis on school groups. From 2002 we will be presenting new workshops to embellish the AS archaeology certificate taken by 16+ age group. During school holidays there is an opportunity for adults to take part in workshops such as Roman Textiles spinning, weaving and dyeing: Ceramics bonfire kilns, coiling, press moulding and the potters wheel: Making Mosaics design, plan and create a beautiful mosaic: Roman Plants and Gardens some of the mysteries of the plants and their uses will be revealed.For the very keen adult there is the opportunity to take part in our Training Excavations.
Throughout the year there are lots of exciting special events from Roman Soldiers and Theatre performances to Musical concerts and Cooking demonstrations. There are a wide range of facilities on site including café, car park and disabled access and it is easily reached by public or private transport.
Facilities
Historic House, Tea Room, Car Park, Private Group Tours, School Tours Available,
In case of alteration, please check prices, opening times and any specific important information before booking or visiting
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