Yorkshire Philosophical Society

Event Information

“Roman York Beneath the Streets” Project Update

Professor Martin Millett,  Emeritus Laurence Professor of Classical Archaeology, University of Cambridge

The nature and topography of Roman York (Eboracum) remains little known despite many centuries of research. Clearer knowledge is an essential prerequisite for comprehending both York’s role within the Roman world and its transformation into a new centre of power in the post-Roman period. This project has been developed in close collaboration with the City of York Council’s Historic Environment Record (HER), York Archaeological Trust (YAT) and the York Museums’ Trust (YMT) and following extensive discussions with other stake holders. It will capitalise on the results of past research, using state-of-the-art academic expertise to build a new foundation for future exploration and public engagement. This is particularly timely given current plans for enhancing existing museum displays and the development of a new Roman visitor centre in the city.

The project will develop a new approach to understanding the Roman city, integrating the large amounts of data from past Antiquarian research and previous archaeological excavation with a new programme of fieldwork. This will deploy Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) survey in both open areas (for instance around the Minster) and along the streets within the City to map buried deposits. We will also be studying material in museum collections in order to provide a clearer understanding of the development of Roman York and its environs.

Lecture to be held in the Tempest Anderson Lecture Theatre, Yorkshire Museum,
YO1 7DR at 2pm.   PLEASE NOTE THE 2pm starting time for this lecture.

ALL WELCOME.