Fishbourne Roman Palace |
||||||||||
|
Fishbourne's impressive remains came to light in 1960 when a new water main cut into the previously unsuspected foundations and mosaics. It was to prove one of the most important British archaeological discoveries of the century.
Over the next nine years archaeologists uncovered a military supply base established at the time of the Roman invasion in AD 43, along with later civilian buildings. The sumptuous palace itself was constructed AD 75, possibly for a Celtic king, Tiberius Claudius Togidubnus, and rivalled in size the imperial palaces in Rome.
Visitors can see many of the remains, including 20 spectacular mosaic floors in various stages of completeness. The Cupid on a Dolphin is, one of the most beautiful examples of the art in Britain. The story of the site is told in the museum aided by plans, photographs, models, and every day items discovered by the archaeologists.
An audio visual programme adds the human touch, telling the remarkable tale through the voices of those who may have lived, worked or excavated the site.
Fishbourne's superb Roman garden has been replanted to its original plan, based on the bedding trenches, tree pits and post holes that survived centuries of ploughing. A new area displaying the plants grown by the Romans has been created and stands alongside the Roman Garden Museum featuring gardens from Britain and Italy. A Roman 'potting shed' displays a range of replica tools and equipment as well as original implements found on the site.
The site also offers:
|
More Pictures (Click Photos for Gallery) |
|
 |
 |
 |
|
|
Opening Times
|
|
(2010 times)
January: Saturday, Sunday 10.00am - 4.00pm. February: Daily 10.00am - 4.00pm. March to October: Daily 10.00am - 5.00pm. November - 15th December and weekends thereafter 10.00am - 4.00pm. |
|
Admission Charges
|
|
(2010 prices)
Adult £7.60; Child (5-15) £4.00; Senior Citizen/Student £6.80; Family (2 adults & 2 children) £21.00.Registered Disabled £7.60 Caref free. Payment by Gift Aid entitles to season ticket. Group Rates: Adult/ Senior Citizen/ Student £6.30; Child (5-15) £3.00. |
|
Directions
|
| Situated north of the A259 off Salthill Road Fishbourne is approx 1.5 miles west of Chichester. Signposted from the A27 and A259. Fishbourne railway station is about 5 min walk from the palace. Regular buses stop at the junction of Salthill Road and the A259. Information can be obtained from West Sussex's travel line (01345 959 099) |
| Show map of Fishbourne Roman Palace... |
|
Fishbourne Roman Palace Postcode for SatNav: PO19 3QR |
|
Nearby Attractions
|
|
Pallant House Gallery
(1 Mile)*
A contemporary wing adjoining a Queen Anne townhouse holding one of the best collections of Modern British art in the country. |
|
Chichester District Museum
(2 Miles)*
Chichester District Museum, housed in an eighteenth century corn store, explores the history of Chichester and District. |
|
Goodwood Racecourse
(4 Miles)*
Horseracing was started at the Goodwood Racecourse by the 3rd Duke of Richmond in 1802. It continues to stage twenty-two days of the finest racing in the sporting calendar as well as being a firm diary date in the English Summer Season. |
| more attractions in Fishbourne and things to do in Fishbourne ... |
| more things to do in West Sussex and days out in West Sussex... |
|
Nearby Hotels
|
|
Nearby Self Catering
|
|
National Trust | Estate Agents |
Copyright © 1999-2012 Excelsior Information Systems Limited.
All rights reserved.
Press Room Terms of Use Privacy Link to Us Index Site Map
