Romans return to Newbury for family fun at West Berkshire Museum
History was brought to life at West Berkshire Museum at the weekend.
On Saturday (October 5), Roman re-enactors from Butser IX Legion marched into Newbury to take part in the Museum’s free Roman Family Fun Day.
The Legion demonstrated many aspects of the Roman life such as the clothing, medical instruments, food and drink as well as the armour and weapons of the Roman army.
They brought with them a range of objects which visiting families could view and handle.
The Museum’s learning and participation officer Clare Bromley said: “A big thank you to the re-enactors from Butser IX Legion for the Family Fun Day.
“As usual, it has been a huge success with families going away having learned more about the Roman period.”
As part of the day, families could also join in a quest to discover the answers to 15 questions by quizzing the Roman re-enactors.
On completing the quest, they received a craft kit to take home.
The event also included various Roman-themed colouring activities scattered around the Museum as well as opportunities to craft a bulla — an amulet worn by Roman children to protect them from harm — made by air-drying clay, cord and gold paint.
Members of Butser IX Legion returned to the Museum on Monday (October 7) to deliver the free Roman School Day to more than 180 primary school children.
Other upcoming events at West Berkshire Museum include a talk on ‘The Historic Ridgeway Project in Newbury’ at 1pm on Wednesday, October 16.
Also on Wednesday at the Museum at 7pm is a talk on the ‘Treasures in Store: A Volunteer’s Choice in Newbury.’