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Fishbourne Roman Palace was discovered by accident during the digging of a water main trench in 1960. The discovery led to nine seasons of excavations that showed the site had developed from a military base at the time of the Roman invasion in AD43 to a sumptuous Palace by the end of the first century. Between 1995 and 2002, new excavations by the Sussex Archaeological Society revealed exciting new insights into this development of this site, and especially the area in front of the Palace.
This story is told in an entertaining audio-visual programme and also in the site museum, with the addition of fascinating artefacts from the excavations along with plans, reconstruction drawings and models. The remains of the North Wing of the Palace are enclosed within a cover building for their protection and for the comfort of the visitors. Here can be seen the largest collection of in-situ mosaics in Britain including the famous Cupid on a Dolphin mosaic.
Outside, the northern half of the formal garden has been replanted to its original plan as recovered by excavation. An attractive plant display area contains a range of plants known to have been cultivated by the Romans. Adjacent to it is a Roman Garden Museum which includes a reconstructed Roman potting shed with a selection of horticultural tools.
Education is a primary role of the Roman Palace. There is a comprehensive education programme with a special emphasis on school groups. There are also new workshops to embellish the AS archaeology certificate taken by 16+ age group. During school holidays there is an opportunity for adults to take part in workshops such as Roman Textiles spinning, weaving and dyeing: Ceramics bonfire kilns, coiling, press moulding and the potters wheel: Making Mosaics design, plan and create a beautiful mosaic: Roman Plants and Gardens some of the mysteries of the plants and their uses will be revealed.
Throughout the year there are lots of exciting special events from Roman Soldiers and Theatre performances to Musical concerts and Cooking demonstrations. There are a wide range of facilities on site including café, car park and disabled access and it is easily reached by public or private transport.
Disabled access The site offers good physical access, with wide doors and ramps. There are dedicated parking spaces and wheelchair accessible toilets. (one operated by a RADAR key) We also have 2 loan wheelchairs, a tactile handling collection, induction loops and deaf aware staff. The gardens do have gravel pathways but the layout of the area is visible from the colonnade. Only guide dogs are allowed on site or in the buildings.
Why not become a Friend of Fishbourne? Membership includes unlimited free admission to Fishbourne Roman Palace, 10% discount in our shop and a range of interesting and social activities. For more information, email fishbournefriends@googlemail.com
Dont pay, give instead....
......become a Gift Aid Visitor
Did you know that Fishbourne Roman Palace belongs to a charity called Sussex Past? Your normal admission charge can therefore be treated as a donation.
If you are a UK tax payer, the government will give us an extra 28% on your top of your donation. We will then give you a season ticket allowing you free admission for a year to Fishbourne Roman Palace.
As a charity, we depend on your admission income to look after our properties. To qualify, you will need to be a UK taxpayer and complete a Gift Aid form on arrival.
The season ticket is valid for one year, is not transferable and can be used on all days we are open except Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd May 2010 and Wednesday 27th, Thursday 28th and Friday 29th October 2010. (It cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer) |
Fishbourne Roman Palace
