Ermine Street Guard in formation at Cirencester Amphitheatre

Roman Soldier Re-enactment for Families at the Corinium Museum

The Corinium Museum welcome Roman Soldiers from the Ermine Street Guard to the Corinium Museum this Easter half term. The re-enactment group will be at the museum on Friday 5th and Saturday 6th April.

Re-enactment group ERMINE STREET GUARD will take over Corinium Museum’s Hare gallery with their Roman soldier shows during the Easter school holidays. With talks and Roman soldier demonstrations suitable for families, the group will bring Roman soldiers to life, complementing museum displays and celebrating the Roman heritage of Cirencester.

Come along and watch battle formations in the museum’s Hare gallery, hear about the soldier’s kit, daily life and weaponry. Children will have the chance to take part in a Soldier School so get ready to learn more about the Roman military and bring a camera to have your picture taken with a Roman soldier!

Chris Haines MBE, a dedicated member of the Ermine Street Guard, reminisced with a mix of nostalgia and humour about the group's longstanding relationship with the Corinium Museum. "The Ermine Street Guard first appeared at the Museum in 1974," he recalled fondly. "This year marks 50 years since our first appearance. Makes me feel old."

Haines' words echo the enduring legacy of the Ermine Street Guard, whose commitment to historical authenticity and engaging performances has enchanted audiences for half a century.

Ermine Street Guard at the Corinium Museum in 1980

Armed with knowledge of the Roman period, members of the ERMINE STREET GUARD will showcase props during the day with some living history artefacts shared with visitors. and Roman army combat moves with their interactive show. This event has been kindly sponsored by Friends of Corinium Museum. For more information about the group visit the ERMINE STREET GUARD website.

A family nature trail is also running through the museum in conjunction with local publisher, Crumps Barn Studio and beautifully illustrated by Anna Platts. The trail is based on the award-winning picture books about Dudley’s Garden written by Dinah Mason Eagers.

Advance admission tickets are available from coriniummuseum.org

Contact Information

Cotswold District Council Communications Team

press@cotswold.gov.uk

Notes to editors

About the ERMINE STREET GUARD

The Ermine Street Guard is more than just a re-enactment group. We are a passionate community of enthusiasts, committed to educating people about the fascinating world of the Roman Army. Take a step back in time as we bring the Roman Army to life through our authentic armour, weapons, and battle formations. Our dedication to historical accuracy allows us to offer an immersive experience that transports you right into the heart of the Roman world. Join us on a journey of discovery and explore the stories of Roman soldiers, their triumphs, and their endurance. Connect with history like never before as we recreate the sights, sounds, and battle manoeuvres that defined an empire.

About the Corinium Museum

The Corinium Museum is located at the heart of Cirencester, the ‘Capital of the Cotswolds’. The principal collection consists of highly significant finds from the Roman town of Corinium. However, the museum today is much more than that, taking you on a journey through time and charting the development of the Cotswolds from its prehistoric landscape to the modern day.

https://coriniummuseum.org

About Crumps Barn Studio

Crumps Barn Studio is based in the Cotswolds. We’re particularly known for producing memoir, poetry, children’s picture books and, increasingly, accessible literary fiction. We publish a select number of titles a year and most of our authors find us by word of mouth. Our titles are released in ebook, paperback and unique hand bound volumes. About us – Crumps Barn Studio (crumpsbarnbooks.co.uk)

About Friends of Corinium Museum

The Friends support the work and objectives of the Museum by helping with fundraising for special events, the acquisition of new artefacts, raising public awareness and participating in the work of the Museum. The Friends run their own programme of events for members and also enjoy discounted access to the Museum’s events programme, including talks by experts on historical or archaeological topics.

About Freedom Leisure

Corinium Museum is operated by Freedom Leisure on behalf of Cotswold District Council

Freedom Leisure is a genuine, proactive and innovative leisure trust that actively promotes healthy lifestyles across the communities and facilities that we serve. We are one of the UK’s leading charitable leisure trusts operating over 100 leisure and entertainment venues across England and Wales.

Contact

Contact Caroline Morris or Sarah Lewis for more information on 01285 655611

Images:

  • Ermine Street Guard at Cirencester Amphitheatre.
  • Ermine Street Guard at the Corinium Museum in 1980. Chris Haines MBE is in the centre.