Ancient Roman Fort Comes to Life in Glossop Exhibition
The ancient Roman fort of Melandra, located in Gamesley near Glossop, is being brought back to life for visitors in a new exhibition. Once a vital military site for Roman forces in northern England, Melandra housed a garrison of 500 soldiers.
Established around 70 AD, the fort played a key role in Rome’s intervention during a civil war among the Brigantes tribe, helping to secure Roman control across northern England. Although the fort has been the subject of archaeological excavations since the 1800s, this year’s Heritage Open Days will showcase the full extent of the research for the first time.
Salford Archaeology is set to host two exhibitions and archaeology-themed events at Glossop's Victoria Hall, offering visitors the chance to explore the fort’s history, view Roman artefacts, and engage in interactive arts and crafts.
Unveiling Melandra’s History
Most of the site’s significant excavations took place in the 1960s, but ongoing research has revealed a wealth of artefacts. Heritage project manager Kate Spencer remarked: "Until now, many of these artefacts were scattered across museums and private collections. For the first time, we’re gathering the full scope of the findings into one place."
The original fort was constructed from wood and later rebuilt in stone around 108 AD, expanding to cover 3.5 acres. It included military headquarters, barracks, and a bathhouse.
Artefacts and Daily Life in Melandra
Excavations at Melandra have yielded thousands of artefacts, offering a glimpse into daily life at the fort. Among the most notable finds is a mortarium, a bowl-shaped vessel used for food preparation, stamped with the mark of Vitalis, a pot maker from Warwickshire in the early 2nd century.
Other discoveries include jewellery, statues of Roman gods, leather sandals, gaming counters, and dice – all hinting at the lifestyle of Roman soldiers stationed at the fort.
Andy Dawson, project manager for National Highways, highlighted the significance of preserving this history: "The Roman Legions were iconic road builders, and it’s fitting that we support this project to safeguard the region's heritage." National Highways has invested £133,500 in the project, which also addresses issues such as flooding, drainage, and land conservation at the site.
Today, the fort’s remnants may appear as little more than grassy mounds, but the exhibition will bring Melandra's rich history to the forefront for a modern audience.
