Exclusive invite to Roman and Iron Age enactors

BE PART OF THE HISTORY
This is an open invitation to all Roman/Celtic period groups and individuals to join us on this exciting reconstructive journey - and gain invaluable experience of a soldier's life in the process. Each attending unit will be given the opportunity to place a 'Centurial plate' crediting their efforts to a section of the build. 

We invite you to join us on our exciting 'Big gate build' be a part of this unique construction journey! A journey we hope will stimulate debate and investigation into the practical challenges facing Roman legions on campaign

HERE AT PARK IN THE PAST: we have been working hard researching into how legionary soldiers may have constructed a timber fort in hostile territory under Roman control. 
This August 24th to 27th 2018, we aim to build the main gate tower and sections of rampart as the first stage in an on going construction of a complete Roman fort. A place that will be available for the use of all re-enactor groups as a training and experience venue

THE EVENT FOR PARTICIPANTS:
If you want to attend as group or individual 
please email Paul.Harston@parkinthepast.org.uk 

A superb 3 day event where you as a Roman or Celtic re-enactor can attend either as part of a group or as an individual.
You will join a unit building the fort from natural materials on hand in our First Century AD environment. There will be public in attendance watching the activity but we are not planning to provide a 'show' or area of display. 
The Roman camp will be a working living historical environ. 
We will provide an area for all forms of plastic camping in adjacent field. None costumed family members welcome too.

PROGRAMME: The weekend will include daily activities of a Roman legionary such as camp set up/maintenance, foraging, ditch and rampart building, combat skills training, use of artillery (spear, sling, bow), guard duty, camp cooking, workshop running repairs, patrols, route march personal time wine (bring own)and Games. 

Any person wishing to skip certain aspects of the build or activities will be free to do so. We aim to provide an inclusive atmosphere for all attendees. 

THE GATE BUILD: A large amount of the Major gate build work will be prepared on site in the weeks leading up to the 'big build' event weekend with smaller finishing tasks completed as 'demo/experience pieces'. Pre-fabrication of principal gates and towers at a nearby fortress base like Chester would have been commonplace and well within the remit of Roman legionaries.

THIS WILL ALL BE FILMED:

THE RAMPART: New research and experimental archaeology has shed light on a credible method of construction making good use of local materials and efficiency of labour. The build will be roughly based a section of rampart along Hadrian’s Wall. The technique of 'corduroying' - alternate layers of timber and turf every vertical foot of rampart - is based on documented finds during excavations of the Roman fortress walls at Chester. 

Our objectives are: 
To create a defensible position
Built from easily available local materials
Speedy construction
Easy to maintain/repair
Not easy to attack or break into

The Public on site: 
Public can attend the weekend and experience Roman soldiers building a fort and going about their routines.
Visitors will also be free to enjoy the beauty of Park in the Past - 120 acres of stunning natural woodland, nature walks, green fields, gorgeous river and lake views.
Soldiers tasked to guard duty will be on hand to answer visitor questions and keep visitors safe whilst passing through our military camp.
Taverna will be erected to supply visitors with refreshments, snacks to enjoy whilst the build goes on! 

PARK IN THE PAST IS A COMMUNITY INTERESTED COMPANY AND IS ESTABLISHED AS A NOT FOR PROFIT ORGANISATION.