Awards Success for Arbeia Roman Fort
Paul Bidwell,Councillor Tracey Dixon and
Archaeologists at Arbeia Roman Fort in South Shields are celebrating after winning the Best Archaeological Research Project Award at the Current Archaeology Awards 2009.
The award was decided in an online vote by readers of Current Archaeology magazine, based on previous articles about Arbeia in the magazine. It was awarded in recognition of the quality and importance of the archaeological excavations at Arbeia.
The award-winning project, entitled South Shields: Rebuilding a Roman Fort, involved the full size reconstruction of the 3rd century AD Roman Centurion's House at Arbeia, based in detail on excavated finds of the Roman original on the same site. The award specifically recognises the quality of the research on which the reconstructions were based.
Paul Bidwell, senior manager for TWM Archaeology says:
"We are delighted that our work at Arbeia Roman Fort has been recognised at a national level. The excavations would not have been possible without major funding from Earthwatch, whose sponsorship of the excavations received the Sponsorship Award in the British Archaeological Awards in 2004."
Councillor Tracey Dixon, lead member for culture and wellbeing, South Tyneside Council says:
"Arbeia is such a wonderful place and gives a fantastic insight into the history and heritage of South Tyneside. It appeals to all ages with its fascinating reconstructions and displays perfectly illustrating the living conditions of soldiers stationed on Hadrian's Wall.
"The award is testament to all the archaeologists who have dedicated their time to finding out more about the history of Arbeia and helping to ensure the site is well-preserved for future generations to enjoy."
Arbeia Roman Fort in South Shields has also received a £50,000 funding boost from SITA Trust to support improvement works at the archaeological site and visitor attraction.
SITA Trust provides funding through the Landfill Communities Fund. Funding is available for community and environmental groups to carry out a range of improvement projects.
The funding allocated to Arbeia Roman Fort will be combined with further resources to improve the physical access around the site, conserve and present the recent excavation work and enhance the interpretation on the site.