St Joseph’s Catholic Junior School : Year 4 visit to Vindolanda Roman Fort (March 2026)

Year 4 children of St. Joseph’s, Birtley recently visited Vindolanda to explore life on Rome’s northern frontier and to connect their classroom learning with one of Britain’s most important Roman archaeological sites. Vindolanda enriched the pupils’ learning about Roman Britain and modern archaeology.

During the visit, the children toured the remains of the fort and settlement, where they were able to see the outlines of barracks, houses and bathhouses. Standing among the ruins helped them to imagine what daily life might have been like for the Roman soldiers and civilians who lived there nearly 2,000 years ago. The museum was a particular highlight, where pupils saw remarkable artefacts such as Roman shoes, tools and the famous writing tablets that preserve personal messages from the Roman frontier.

The visit also gave pupils an opportunity to consider the archaeological excavation and how new discoveries at Vindolanda continue to deepen our understanding of Roman Britain. The trip was an engaging and memorable experience, and we are very grateful for the support that made it possible.