Dig at Roman town opens to public

In the 1st Century AD the site was part of Calleva Atrebatum

Enthusiasts are invited to the site of a Roman archaeological dig as it opens to the public this summer.

The University of Reading is offering guided tours of Silchester Roman Town, once part of Calleva Atrebatum, on 23 July and 6 August.

Visitors will get a look at how life was in the 1st Century AD settlement, with demonstrations of Roman blacksmithing, spinning and weaving.

Archaeologists have been working at the site, near Reading, since 1997.

Mini excavations

On the open days, children will be able to handle some of the treasures they have discovered there and take part in mini excavations.

Prof Michael Fulford, director of the Silchester project, said: "We are now beginning to get a real understanding of the lives of Silchester's inhabitants and how they changed during the Roman period."

This summer, university archaeologists are being helped with their excavations by 16 to 18-year-old pupils from schools in Hampshire and Berkshire, as well as volunteers from around the world.

Visitors are welcome to watch excavation in progress at the site every day except Fridays, until 14 August.