the Romans Returned...

Back at Hardwick Country Park for the now annual Romans Return event.  It being Summer, Saturday it rained, but Sunday was Glorious.  Still the rain didn't worry the Deja Crew, we were under cover.

Our activities tent, with weaving, willow work and  Life in the Roman Army.

"How did they move around with all this weight?" - quote from one new recruit.

All the things you can try on, including Roman Underpants!

a quite moment in between the raindrops on Saturday,
however Sunday we didn't even have time for a photograph!

A grand event, hopefully we'll be back again next year, see you then.

Romans Return again.....

Come and see me at Hardwick Country Park at the weekend for the annual Roman extravaganza - http://www.durham.gov.uk/Pages/pressrelease.aspx?pid=3811 - the Romans Return.  

The Deja Crew and Rufus Aelius Victor will be there from 11:00am to 3:00pm on Saturday and Sunday - August 25th and 26th .
Along with other broups and artists, the day will include military demonstrations, falconry and some Celts.
Admission - £4 per person, £12 per family, car parking free.

Hope to see you there and the sun shines!

The Romans Return to Hardwick Country Park... Again!

For the Fourth Year in a row The Romans Return to Hardwick Country Park, near Sedgefield.  The weekend of the 25th and 26th of August will see The Deja Crew and others creating a Roman encampment within this beautiful landscape.   I'll post more details as they are confirmed or check with Durham County Council at
Hardwick Park Events

The Romans Return
Saturday 25 & Sunday 26 August
11am-3pm / £4 each, £12 family
Our annual event is back. Come and learn
all about life in Roman times. Visit our living
history displays, see dramatic battles and
ballista demonstrations.

6/7 August - The Romans Return to Hardwick Country Park

For the third year running The Deja Crew were invited to 'The Romans Return' Event at Hardwick Country Park, despite the torrential rain on the Saturday it was again a very popular event.

For some reason most recruits prefer the Offcier's Crest to that of the lower ranks!

The event gave me a chance to try out some of the new bits of kits I've been making -

Subarmalis or arming jacket

Wooden Practice Gladius

As far as I can tell, there is very little evidence about what Romans wore under their armour.  The word 'subarmalis' is mentioned in a few places, but none have ever been found (they are made of things that decay quickly).  There are some images on Trajan's Column and wall paintings, so my attempt is really a bit of guesswork.
There are references to recruits training with weighted wooden swords to build their strength, this one is twice the wieght of an ordinary gladius.

And finally...
                     ...Roman Underpants!

Subligaculum or 'little binding beneath!
A sort of loin cloth, there are images from Pompeii showing what Romans wore beneath their togas.

Coming up over the Summer

The bookings are starting to come in for over the Summer, in addition to the Discovery Visits for English Heritage at Chesters and Housesteads, I'll be at

• Tullie House 25th June for the opening on the new Roman Gallery (see Tullie House events)
• Head of Steam 10th July for more Romans on the Railway
• Hardwick Hall 6th and 7th August - Romans are Coming

I'll add the details and more dates as they come in.