Life in Roman Dorchester Talk and Tour
Dorset Museum & Art Gallery, 66 High West Street, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1XA
What was life really like in Roman Dorchester? Join expert Steve Wallis for an engaging exploration of Durnovaria, the Roman town that once thrived where modern Dorchester now stands.
The event begins with a presentation in the Alice Ellen Cooper Dean Community Space at Dorset Museum & Art Gallery, where Steve will guide you through the archaeological clues that reveal how people lived in this important Roman settlement. You'll discover what the remains of the Roman town – still visible dotted around modern Dorchester today – tell us about daily life, and explore how Durnovaria compared with other places across the Roman Empire.
From there, we'll move to the Museum's People's Dorset Gallery to examine the artefacts that bring Roman Dorchester to life. These remarkable objects offer glimpses into everyday existence, the things people valued, their religious beliefs, and their attitudes to death. You'll also see how life in Durnovaria changed over the 400 years or so that the town existed.
This is a wonderful opportunity to deepen your understanding of one of Dorset's most significant historical periods through both expert knowledge and direct encounters with authentic Roman finds.
Timings
- Saturday 12 September:
- 10:30am - 11:30am & 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Location & directions
Dorset Museum & Art Gallery, 66 High West Street, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1XA
- Directions:
- The nearest substantial car park is the Top o’ Town Car Park, located just beyond the roundabout at the top of High West Street (what3words: promoted.spruced.simmer). From the car park, it’s a five-minute walk (500 metres) to the Museum (what3words: overheard.holidays.blurs). Dorchester has two railway stations (Dorchester South and Dorchester West), both of which are less than 12 minutes’ walk from Dorset Museum & Art Gallery.
- Contact on day:
- Dorset Museum & Art Gallery
- Telephone number:
- +441305262735
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking required
- Booking conditions:
- Tickets include day entry to the Museum. Spaces limited to 20 participants.
- Booking website:
- https://www.dorsetmuseum.org/whats-on/?fwp_event_topic=heritage-open-days
- Booking opens:
- 24 Aug 2026 09:00 AM
Additional information
- Max number of people:
- 20
- Estimated duration:
- 1 hour(s) 0 minute(s)
