After a gap of 2 (or 1600) years, depending on how you view it, the Romans were back in York last weekend. It was a joy to spend time with visitors, Romans, readers, writers and even the occasional barbarian. A few pics and possibly a snip of video will follow: What are you doing for … Continue reading Eboracum Roman Festival 2022
Home from another fantastic Roman Festival in York, and huge thanks to everyone who made it possible - organisers, re-enactors, performers, fellow-scribes and of course to the many visitors, without whom we'd all have been very lonely. In previous years I've put up plenty of photos of men on the march, and they do look … Continue reading Eboracum 2019
To begin at the beginning...
Butser Ancient Farm in Hampshire was full of Romans last week. There were soldiers and civilians, and families ranging from toddlers to grandparents. They were wandering in and out of the houses, feeding the sheep, eating, playing, laughing, working, shopping and having their hair done. Some of them were even having their photos taken … Continue reading Toga Tuesday!
Right. Line up, you lot. And get that hair cut! Half of you look like a bunch of girls!
"...because we're doing the best that we can." Margaret George, Historical Novel Society conference, 2016. I've never been to the Historical Novel Society conference before, but after last weekend I'm wondering why. It was splendid. If you want to read a well thought-out blog piece about it, there's one in the Times Literary Supplement. If … Continue reading “We have to hope that our characters will forgive us…”
It's been a busy few days - first, a long weekend in York, a city crammed with Roman activity past and present. Then down south to spend five days in search of the far more elusive Roman Devon. Finally, with all photos downloaded and all mud washed off, there's time to update the blog... The … Continue reading From Eboracum to Ipplepen
Ruth Downie 