Behind the Scenes in Roman Kent

Exploring Roman Kent, Canterbury, Dover and the ‘Saxon Shore’ forts

3 Days From £650pp Departing Jun & Sep ‘21, Jun & Jul ‘22 Activity Level

Roman Kent formed the vital link between the often-wayward province of Britannia and the continental Empire, with the English Channel as the vital connective route between the two. This is a special behind-the-scenes tour of the region led by Dr Simon Elliott, which explores the new excavations taking place.

Tour Highlights

• Explore the well-preserved Saxon Shore fort at Richborough • Special access to the Painted House in Dover, where we will hear more about the archaeology of the site • Admire the stunning fort at Reculver, so beautifully set on the Kent coast

Day One | Canterbury Today we gather at our hotel base in Canterbury in the early evening. Dr Simon Elliott will give a lecture of Roman Kent before dinner. Day Two | Reculver & Richborough On our first morning, we travel northeast to Reculver on the north Kent coast where Dr Simon Elliott will give a tour of the Saxon shore fort site and St. Mary’s Church (built within the walls of the Saxon Shore fort with stone recycled from the earlier Roman structure). We then travel to lovely Sandwich on the east Kent coast for lunch, before visiting paying a brief visit to St. Augustine’s cross, the landing place of the Saint in postRoman Britain. On to Richborough in the afternoon, where we will explore the Claudian invasion defensive ditch, the monumental foundations of the grand triumphal arch built by Domitian and finally the well-preserved Saxon Shore fort. Archaeological investigation continues to this day. In the evening before dinner, Dr Elliott will give a lecture about the Roman and the Saxon Shore forts built after its demise in the 3rd century AD. Day Three | Dover & Canterbury Today we travel to Dover and first visit the famous Painted House, a mansio official hostel for those travelling on business in the Roman period. The site is also famous for the walls of the later Saxon Shore fort built straight through its living quarters. While here, we will be given an exclusive talk by those who investigated the site. Later in the morning, we visit Dover Museum, in particular its fine Roman collection, and the well-known Bronze Age Boat Exhibition. After lunch, we then travel to Canterbury where Dr Simon Elliott will give us a tour of the Roman remains in today’s city. Time-permitting, we’ll also visit the Canterbury Roman Museum before the tour concludes with a visit to a regional archaeological unit to view Roman remains not currently on display and to enjoy a talk on the latest discoveries in the region.

Guided by Dr Simon Elliott

A best-selling author, Simon has written books on a variety of classical history subjects.

Price includes

• Expert Guide Lecturer & Professional Tour Manager • Entries to all sites as per the itinerary • All taxes & gratuities Included travel

• All local transport Accommodation

• Accommodation in Canterbury Culinary inclusions

• 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches & 2 dinners • Water with all meals, wine & tea or coffee with dinner

Dates & prices per person

Date Twin/Dbl Share SS 4th - 6th Jun ‘21 £650 £170

24th - 26th Sep ‘21 £650 3rd - 5th Jun ’22 £745 £170

£195

1st - 3rd Jul ’22 £745 £195