The Nene Valley Archaeological Trust (NVAT) and Nene Park Trust are very pleased to announce the launch of a new book ‘The Romans of the Nene Valley’ and a series of four heritage trails which highlight the rich history and archaeology of our region.

The Romans in the Nene Valley by Stephen Upex is a new publication, providing an overview of the development of the Lower Nene valley from the late Iron Age to the very end of Roman rule, all brought to life with the inclusion of many detailed photographs, illustrations and maps. Close to present day Peterborough, Durobrivae became a walled town with extensive industrial suburbs and recent geophysical surveys and excavations have expanded our knowledge of this town. Other topics covered in the book include the military presence and forts, villas and farmsteads, religion and burial. The Romans in the Nene Valley is available to purchase from the Nene Valley Archaeological Trust website and will also be available from the Visitor Centre in Ferry Meadows, Peterborough, as well as other selected heritage sites and booksellers.

The four new Walking in Time Heritage Trails have been developed by Nene Park Trust in partnership with Nene Valley Archaeological Trust. They follow four different circular walks across Nene Park land, which highlight sites of significant historical importance along the way. The trails contain maps, detailed route instructions and interesting facts, photos and illustrations. These trails leaflets will be available for visitors to pick up from the Visitor Centre in Ferry Meadows and can also be downloaded as PDFs here.

Both the book and the trails have been made possible with funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund through the Nenescape Landscape Partnership scheme, which celebrates, protects and conserves the natural and built heritage of the landscape along the Nene valley between Peterborough and Northampton.

Adrian Oates, Head of Fundraising and Marketing at Nene Park Trust, said “The book and trail leaflets are some of the final outputs of the Nenescape project, which we have been proud to have been involved in over the past 5 years. Thanks to National Lottery funding, NVAT and ourselves we have been able to create these fantastic resources that help to uncover and explore the rich history and heritage of Nene Park and the river valley”

Rex Gibson from Peterborough Archaeology group, FRAG says in his review of the book: “Romans in the Nene Valley will bring our local Roman history to a wider audience and inspire others to continue the process of discovery which has been going on for over 200 years.”

We will be having a launch event for the book and trail leaflets in Ferry Meadows on 1^st March, which will include the opportunity for a guided walk along one of the trail routes.