The Tablets Return Home

Writing Tablets return home to Roman Vindolanda

March sees two significant events in the British historical calendar with the unveiling of the newly re-developed Roman Vindolanda and Roman Army Museum on Hadrian’s Wall and one of the British Museum’s top ten British Treasures, The Vindolanda Tablets returning home. The tablets, the oldest surviving hand written documents in Britain, will be hosted in a purpose built, temperature controlled room at the new Roman Vindolanda Museum. The Vindolanda Trust, who will be the custodians of the tablets, will be receiving nine of the writing tablets, originally discovered at Vindolanda in 1973, on loan from the British Museum.

Patricia Birley, director at The Vindolanda Trust, speaks of her excitement at the tablets coming home; ‘the return of this selection of writing tablets from the British Museum couldn’t come at a better time. We are extremely proud of the developments we will be unveiling here at Vindolanda, and the enhanced experience we will be able to provide for our visitors. We believe everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy their Roman heritage and the tablets themselves bring a unique angle to both our collection and interpretation. The tablets will be on display in a superb, newly constructed exhibition space with an atmosphere controlled environment. They will be surrounded by other original Roman finds that have been excavated here at Vindolanda and will be at the centre of our exhibition. Together the collection and the tablets present a unique insight into life at Vindolanda throughout the Roman Empire.’

The Trust opens the doors to its dual sites this year following a multi-million pound re-development after receiving funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and ONE North East. The new museum at Vindolanda will host the writing tablets and The Roman Army Museum, situated seven miles along The Wall, will show a one-of-a-kind 3D film ‘The Edge of Empire – the Eagle’s Eye,’ telling the tale of Aquila, a young auxiliary guard, as he takes his first steps as a Roman soldier.

For more information about the Vindolanda tablets or to visit Vindolanda visit www.vindolanda.co.uk or call 01434 344 277. Doors open to the public from 10am on 12^th March.