If you didn’t know it was there you would easily drive past the Roman town of Venta Icenorum without realising it. Located near the village of Caistor St Edmonds, Venta Icenorum (meaning Market Place of the Iceni) dates back to around AD70.
It’s classed as a scheduled ancient monument and is owned by the Norfolk Archaeological Trust.
Although only fragments of stone walls can be seen, excavations that took place between 1929 and 1935 did unearth a market square, a bath complex, the south gate, and temples. The excavated findings were covered again for protection from the elements, but large parts of the site remain unexplored.
Further studies have taken place since, and in since 2009 a team of Archaeologists have been conducting digs focused on certain areas of the site. The latest visit was in August 2012, digging at a previously unexplored area on the other side of the river Tas.
Parents view
It’s not often we go out with the kids and don’t spend any money, so Venta Icenorum presented my wallet with a welcome break!
It was a nice warm sunny day in August, and it wasn’t really planned. We hadn’t even agreed on a destination when we got in the car, so I just started driving and on a whim I decided we would visit the old Roman town near Caistor St Edmunds. And I’m glad we did.
At first the kids were apprehensive. Afterall, there was no arcades, no slides, no soft play bouncy things. Not even a petting zoo. But they soon changed their views when they caught site of the site remains jutting from the ground.
Walking around the perimeter of the old settlement is a pleasing and peaceful stroll, with more than Roman ruins to see. The path takes you through a field with sheep, and the wild meadows are home to insects such as butterflies and dragonflies.
Part of the path brings you close to the River Tas. Again another opportunity to spot wildlife. We even saw some people having a little paddle, though I’m not sure whether that’s recommended!
It was certainly a good way to spend an hour or so in the sunshine. If the kids had spent more time reading the various information posts around Venta Icenourm then I think we would’ve spent a bit longer here.
From a local point of view, it’s a great place to bring kids whenever Roman history comes up on the school syllabus.
