Richborough: Gateway to Britannia
Richborough Roman Fort and Amphitheatre re-opened in 2023 after a renovation project to transform the way we tell its story. Richborough was a very important port and town for Roman Britannia, acting as a gateway to the empire as well as a vital trading node. We have changed the visitor experience to reveal the true significance of Richborough (or Rutupiae as it was known) and its place within the Roman world.
Inspiration for the project
Archaeological excavations have uncovered vast numbers of Roman finds at Richborough, but our previous museum had limited space and lacked modern display cases to put these fascinating discoveries on display. Redevelopment of the museum was at the centre of the project and created more space with an entirely new design and layout. This enabled us to display fine Roman objects safely and securely, alongside a new permanent exhibition to tell the wonderful story of Richborough and its people.
New information panels have been installed around the site, based on the latest research of the area, whilst new accessible paths have made the fort easier to get around for more people. We have also constructed a wooden gateway and tower, with adjacent earth and timber rampart, to simulate how one may have been built by the Roman army when it first landed in Britain in AD 43.
The Plans
The renovation project covered five main areas:
- The overhaul of the visitor reception centre created a new museum to display archeological finds from Richborough.
- The installation of new information panels on site, with a new family trail and audio guide.
- The construction of a Roman wooden gateway, tower, and rampart as was built by soldiers under Claudius when they first arrived in Britain.
- The development of a new programme of activities and opportunities for local schools and the engagement of the local community.
- The excavation of the nearby Roman amphitheatre to assess its state of preservation and how it fits into the story of Richborough’s development.
Working with our community
Community engagement has been a high priority throughout the project as Richborough’s Roman heritage holds significant value for local people. We have developed a programme of activities and opportunities, including increased engagement with schools and working in partnership with local charities. We have also built a strong and committed group of volunteers to help us care for Richborough for present and future generations, and to help make a visit to Richborough as fascinating and rewarding as possible.
Volunteering OpportunitiesExploring Diversity at Richborough
English Heritage worked with Kent Refugee Action Network (KRAN) on the Gateway to Britannia project, culminating in a site visit to discover the rich heritage and diversity of Roman Richborough.
Book Your Visit
KRAN Pottery & Filmmaking
Land Art Community Day
Stargazing at Richborough
Archaeological Volunteering
'Archaeology in Action' tours
We would like to thank the National Lottery Heritage Fund for their generous support of this project
Explore Richborough
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Visit Richborough Roman Fort and Amphitheatre
Richborough is perhaps the most symbolically important of all Roman sites in Britain, witnessing both the beginning and end of Roman rule.
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Take a Virtual Tour
Take a virtual tour of the site and view some of the highlights of the vast collection of objects found at Richborough.
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Explore the History of Richborough
Discover how Richborough Roman Fort once stood at the centre of a thriving port town, the Roman Empire's gateway to Britannia.
