Walk ’n’ Talk With Romans And Celts

Join English Heritage’s costumed duo at Housesteads for Story Walk weeks: August 6 to 12 and August 20 to 27

Put on your outdoor shoes and join English Heritage’s costumed duo on their fascinating storywalks as they explore the history of Housesteads and take you on a journey back in time.

English Heritage are inviting visitors to Housesteads to take part in the ancient tradition of storytelling with John Sadler as ‘Maximus Magnus’ and Alex Speirs as a high status Celtic woman, around the Fort telling to hear stories from the days of the Romans and the Celts.
 
Before books and way, way before TV and film, stories were the way we were entertained, informed and taught about life. Our ancestors would gather to hear stories that would make them laugh, sometimes cry or even scared at the fate that could be dealt them by the gods or other men.

Jon Hogan, events manager for English Heritage said: “That ancient tradition of storytelling has diminished through recent times and, for many of us, the last time we were told a tale was when we were little children. But if we hear a story told well, it can be a riveting experience and a chance to understand a little of what our predecessors enjoyed around the fireside.”

That feeling of connection is what took John Sadler from Newcastle on a journey of storytelling discovery. From realising the thrill of listening to stories being told, he has now become professional storyteller himself and will help lead the storywalks, bringing history to life for visitors.

As well being a re-enactor, John is also a part-time lecturer at Newcastle University, a published author and historian.

John said: “I'd say storytelling came about as a fusion between lecturing (I've been lecturing part time at Newcastle University for the last ten years) and drama/interpretation and the need to explain history in a manner which is engaging and entertaining. “

Those who stop to listen will be rewarded with tales of colourful characters from the times of the Roman and Celts.

As well as entertaining visitors, the re-enactors John Sadler and Alex Speirs -  the founder and senior interpreter of ‘Time Bandits,’ will also try to give their audiences a rich insight into life in the past and an understanding of the environment, lifestyle and emotions of our ancestors.

John and Alex will divide each group into Roman and Celtic factions and each of them will lead their respective sub-group around the site from different angles, culminating in a confrontation in the Principia.  Groups will be swapped so that nobody misses out on the full tour!

Jon Hogan explained: “People in the past were not greatly different to us. Stories allow us to see that they were the same sort of people as we are. We like to make stories accessible and funny for people but it is also good to have a bit of wonder and mystery of the past too.”

Housesteads is the most complete example of a Roman fort in Britain, and one of the most popular sites on the Wall. It stands high on the exposed Whin Sill escarpment, commanding breathtaking views.

It was built as an infantry fort, housing a garrison of up to 100 men. Inside the fort are the remains of the headquarters building, the commanding officers house, the granaries and a hospital with an open courtyard surrounded by small wards and an open theatre.

The event is part of the Council for British Archaeology’s National Archaeology Week. National Archaeology Week is a unique chance to discover and explore the archaeological heritage of the United Kingdom. During this nine day event that runs from July 14 – 22, people can take part in excavation open days, guided tours, exhibitions, lectures, ancient art and craft workshops and much more.

The storywalks are daily from August 6 – 12 and August 20 – 27 at 10.30am, 12pm, 1.30pm, 3pm & 4.30pm

Admissions: Adults £5.60, Concessions £4.40, Children £2.80.
Members: Adults £1.50, Concessions £1.30,  Children £0.70

Housesteads is 2.75 miles north-east of Bardon Mill, adjacent to the B6318. The fort lies uphill from the car park (a ten-minute walk).

For a full list of English Heritage sites, admission prices and opening times, visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/properties