Dewa Roman Experience

From Chester Wiki

Contents 1 Introduction 2 Where 3 What it's about 4 Prices 5 Shop 6 Other

[edit] Introduction

If you’ve ever wondered what life in Roman Chester was like, the Dewa Roman Experience is a reasonably authentic recreation of the past, right down to the smells. Chester was one of the Roman Empire’s most important UK bases and this is a good place to get a feel for what it was like here 2000 years ago.

[edit] Where

Dewa Roman Experience is not easy to find, as it's tucked away off Bridge Street. Also disorienting is the exit, which leaves you on Commonhall Street, wondering which way back to Bridge Street.

[edit] What it's about

You enter via the Roman galley, which doesn't actually sail, but gives your first taste of Roman life on board ship in the gloomy hold. Next, you stroll through a reconstruction of a typical Roman street where your nostrils will be assailed with the heady whiff of straw, food, dung and animals. There’s a baths, villas, market stalls, alehouse and prison, plus the obligatory legionary guarding Fortress Dewa (as Chester was called), complete with audio commentary and background sounds. It's very dark and gloomy.

The brief audio-visual show gives a factual guide to Roman occupation, then you go down some steep steps into the cellars (don't bother with high heels, ladies, they'll be ruined) to explore the archaeological ruins. The excavations are several metres deep and you can also see the Saxon and Medieval layers on top of the Roman remains.

Beyond the cellars, there’s a large, impressive exhibition of finds – Roman pottery, urns and ceramic oil lamps, delicate jewellery, dental instruments, mosaics and religious artefacts. For a hands-on experience head upstairs to the studio – here, you can create your own mosaics, try on a suit of Roman armour (be warned – it’s heavy!), or just handle genuine Roman pottery shards and animal bones.

The museum makes a great day out for the family – adults will appreciate the historic artefacts and excavations, while children will love playing with the exhibits in the hands-on room. Large groups can also book a guided external tour around the various Roman sites scattered around the tiny city centre, accompanied by a soldier patrol.

[edit] Prices

Adults £4.25, Children £2.50, Family (2 adults and 2 children) £12, OAPs/students £3.25, Group £3.50 each. The Roman Soldier Patrol costs £35.95

[edit] Shop

There's a small gift and souvenir shop just before the exit. Most of what's on sale is aimed at kids.

[edit] Other

Disabled access covers everything except the hands-on room. There's a disabled lift down to the excavations and a disabled loo.

A recent newspaper report suggested that the building may be converted into a boutique hotel and small shops. Planning permission has been applied for and, if granted, will mean the museum will close. So go now, while you still have the chance.