About This Cache:
Cross the River Tas into Dunston Field. Begin to head up the hill and then turn left. You are looking for a small plastic container.
Dunston Field was acquired by the Norfolk Archaeological Trust in 2011. A considerable number of middle Saxon coins were recovered from the field and aerial photograph evidence and geophysical survey suggested the presence of sunken-featured buildings. Subsequent excavation revealed a sunken-featured building dating to the seventh or early eighth century, and it now seems clear that there was an extensive middle Saxon settlement adjacent to the Roman town. The implication is that Caistor remained a place of political importance long after the nominal “end” of Roman Britain, perhaps until it was ultimately superseded by the rise of medieval Norwich. The meadow has now been re-wilded and plenty of wild flowers grow at certain times of the year.
About Caistor Roman Town:
Welcome to Caistor Roman Town, also known as Venta Icenorum. Venta Icenorum was the largest Roman town in East Anglia. When it was first established in the AD70s, the town was unenclosed. The banks and walls visible today were not built until the 3rd century AD. The town was laid around a grid of streets and in true Roman fashion, there is evidence of an amphitheatre to the south of the walled area, and a temple to the north-east. This temple was in addition to those in the centre of the town. The town also boasted running water, baths, a town hall (basilica), and a central public place (forum).
The site was still occupied from the early 6th century, during the early part of the Anglo-Saxon period, but the Roman buildings and infrastructure were left to decay. Venta Icenorum was eventually abandoned in the 8th century, when Norwich became the civic centre for the county. It is one of only three Roman towns in the country that were not built over in later centuries, giving us an extraordinary opportunity to explore its below-ground archaeology.
About This Series:
This is one of three trails which have been set up around Caistor Roman Town, St Benet’s Abbey and Burgh Castle. Roman remains have been found at Caistor Roman Town and Burgh Castle, whilst Monks were known to reside at St Benet’s Abbey. We have therefore themed the series as “Romans, Romans, Monks.”
A significant amount of time and effort has gone into creating these caches. Please use stealth and ensure that each cache is well covered and closed properly, when returned to its hiding place.
We hope you enjoy the trails and the sites. Please keep dogs on a lead at all times.
The caches have been placed with the kind permission and in collaboration with the Norfolk Archaeological Trust.