Roman Palace - Fishbourne

Saturday was another lovely sunny day. To make the most of it we decided to head to the Roman Palace at Fishbourne. I'd heard of this Palace during the week from a colleague at work. It was constructed in the first century on the site of one of the main bridgehead of the Roman invasion of Britain in AD43. It is well known for the mosaics.

We arrived at about 2pm after lunch on the beach at Bognor Regis. (Well - when I say beach I really mean pebbles with water!). We were fortunate to discover that the Ermine Street Guard were about to provide a demonstration of Roman soldiers performing battle tactics and cavalry maneuvers. They are a society dedicated to living the Roman legionary experience and are fully kitted out with authentic armour and weapons.

We witnessed a terrific display of tactics including the tortoise (shields placed in front and over the advancing army) and the wedge. One of the main strengths of the legion was their training and cohesiveness. Essentially they acted in concert to defeat an enemy; often when outnumbered. Each soldier had a sword (gladius) and javelins (pilum). These were deployed according to circumstances. For example, we witnessed an advancing tortoise formation with only the gladius exposed. It was hard to attack such a formation, and even if a soldier was struck, another was always there to take his place.

James was less interested in the demonstration and enjoyed himself running and jumping up and down the grassy hill from which we watched the action!

Fishbourne itself was believed to be a strategic base in support of the Roman invasion in the west supporting the bridgehead established at Richborough in Kent. Fishbourne is located on a harbour ane used as a fort to supply soldiers and store food.

The palace (actually an elaborate villa) was built in the first century and is believed to be the residence of Tiberius Claudius Cogidubnus, a pro-Roman local chieftain installed as regional King following his support for the invasion. Regardless of the history, there is no doubt about the splendor of the mosaics. Most represent the oldest such Roman mosaics in Britain.

The museum is a covered building that provides full protection to the excavation. Although the colour was mostly lost in the tiles, I did find some hint of colour particularly in the masonry that I guess represents our modern skirting board; joining the wall to the floor.

In addition to the mosaics, there was a reconstruction of the extensive gardens. As part of the Ermine Street Guard demonstration there were stalls and displays showing everything from Roman food (eg bread and mead) to Roman use of herbs as medicine. We all found it fascinating.

To top it off there was an exhibition showing many of the original artifacts uncovered during the excavations in the 1960’s. The Palace itself was destroyed by fire in AD270. In the exhibition was pottery that was blackened by the fire. Coins, broaches, and part of soldier’s attire such as belts and helmets were also on display. To me – the display of the fragments of fresco and ornate wall marbles harked back to memories of Pompeii.

You can see the photos here. You’ll see the mosaics in detail. Oh – and the soldiers!