News Year 8 Classics Trip to Fishbourne Roman Palace 01.05.2025

At the end of April, the Classics department were delighted to introduce Year 8 students to Fishbourne Roman Palace. This magnificent site is the largest domestic building ever found north of the Alps. The excursion complemented the students’ learning about Roman culture earlier this year.   

During the visit, students took part in a Roman artefact handling workshop examining an array of fine domestic pottery, bone, masonry and even glassware that had all been excavated at the site in Fishbourne. The Year 8s were challenged to deduce the uses of the items and what they revealed about the Britons and Romans who lived in the area. The girls were very engaged and impressed the archaeologists leading the sessions with their focus and excellent inferences. Having surveyed some replica items, some students then had the chance to model Roman clothing. 

Students also studied the extensive floor mosaics in the remains of the palace’s north wing – from the Cupid on a Dolphin to the mysterious Medusa mosaic. We also explored the palace gardens, which are planted according to the original Roman design, and reclined in the summer triclinium.  All in all, it was a highly enjoyable and educational day.