Chesters Fort, posted by Noor

This was a slightly different event for us. Roman Tours were staging a weekend of military displays and gladiatorial combat at Chesters Fort on Hadrian's Wall, and asked if the gladiator dancers could join them to take part in the gladiator show which formed the highlight of each day. Unfortunately, only Meroe and I were able to go.

Meroe in the Roman camp

Because this was not a dance event, we spent most of the weekend in Roman dress. In fact, we even went shopping for lunch in the local supermarket in Roman dress. Clearly the residents of Hexham are well used to Roman events taking place, because hardly anyone looked surprised to see us.

Shopping, Roman style

I had been warned that it would be cold and windy up there, and it certainly was. The cavalry regiment from northern Spain who occupied the fort in the third century must have wondered which deity they had offended, to be posted to such a place! Thankfully the lovely staff at Lucullus Larder, the café on-site, kept us supplied with hot drinks.

On Sunday, while the military displays were taking place, the girls strolled down to the remains of the Roman bath house to take some photographs. Don't be fooled by the words "hot bath" in the picture below!

The less-than-hot bath

We had a great weekend, and the fort and the small museum were fascinating. Apart from a brief school trip many years ago, I had never been to Hadrian's Wall. After this visit I definitely want to go back and explore more of the wall and the forts (but in warmer clothes).