Residents Invited To Have Their Say On Reading Museum’s 'Roman Britain - Reimagined In Reading' Project

The Museum has displayed the nationally significant Silchester Collection from Calleva (present-day Silchester) since 1891. Calleva is unique as the only Roman British town where the entire area within its defensive walls has been archaeologically explored. However, since the gallery was last redeveloped in 1993, extensive research, led by the University of Reading, has highlighted the diverse population of Roman Britain, which is not currently portrayed. The project will address these gaps and improve the accessibility and enjoyment of the gallery for all visitors.

This gallery redevelopment will help more people learn about Reading's Roman history. It will showcase the Museum’s important Roman artifacts in new and engaging ways, with updated displays, learning materials, and hands-on activities that highlight the cultural diversity of Roman Britain.

The Museum has already begun consulting visitors and community partners, including families, young people, refugees, volunteers, schools, and disability groups, about the current Roman gallery and the activities they would like to see.

Residents can give their feedback here www.readingmuseum.org.uk/roman-britain and can also find out about Roman talks and activities that they can attend, including a series of talks exploring Calleva’s history and archaeology by Professor Michael Fulford, Professor of Archaeology at the University of Reading, and supported by the Friends of Reading Museum.

The project’s development phase ends this June after which another grant application will be submitted in August 2025 for additional funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to deliver the new gallery. If this is successful generous match funding has been secured from the Earley Charity.

Adele Barnett-Ward, Reading Borough Council’s Lead Councillor for Leisure and Culture, said, "We are grateful to The National Lottery Heritage Fund for this initial funding, which will help us to reimagine our presentation of Reading's Roman heritage. The Silchester gallery has long been a popular area of the museum but it is now over thirty years old, so does not reflect current research and scholarship. If we are successful in securing the additional funding needed to deliver a new exhibit about the Roman town of Calleva it will enable us to highlight recent discoveries about the cultural and ethnic diversity of Roman Britain and draw parallels with modern Reading's diverse population.”

"This project is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to connect our communities with their local Roman heritage in new and exciting ways. By working closely with our residents and community partners we aim to create a space that provides an engaging and inclusive experience for all visitors."

The project would enable residents to engage with Reading’s Roman past through targeted activities. It is anticipated it would offer new interpretation based on up-to-date archaeological evidence, explore the diversity of Roman Britain's population, and improve object displays to enhance the visitor experience. Featuring Iron Age and Roman finds from the Reading area that have not been previously displayed and connecting the gallery with the site at Silchester, explaining what people can see and do there.

The reimagined gallery and learning resources would highlight the cultural and ethnic diversity of Calleva’s population, drawing parallels with contemporary Reading with its diverse population, with 46.5% now belonging to a Black and Minority Ethnic community (including minority ethnic White and other communities). The project will also support outreach sessions, social media and website resources, and a range of events and activities to help people make sense of their Roman heritage in ways that best suit them.