Roman times in Chesterfield
An investigation into why the Romans settled in Chesterfield, what they did
when they were here and what they left behind when they left.
Location:
Key stage:
Curriculum Area:
Derbyshire Urban Studies Centre, Chesterfield
2
History
Why did the Romans change from being traders to invaders? When did Great Britain become part of the Roman
Empire? What did the Romans do in Chesterfield? What did the Romans leave behind? All these questions and more
will be answered during this varied investigative day. Pupils will measure where the Roman fort once was positioned,
complete an ‘archaeological investigation’, visit Chesterfield Museum to see real roman remains and sketch buildings
influenced by Roman architecture. This day has been designed to investigate Chesterfield’s Roman history whilst at
the same time putting it into context with Great Britain’s Roman history.
Learning Objectives:
 To be able to put into context why and when the Romans were in Chesterfield.
 To know when and why the Romans built a fort in Chesterfield and have an understanding of what the fort may
have been like, size, position, etc.
 To start to have an understanding of some of the difficulties faced by archaeologists when uncovering fragments
of objects.
 To work in a group to be able to ‘interpret an artefact’ from the Roman period and use this information to make
observations on the Roman way of life.
 To understand the idea of a ‘Roman Legacy’ and be able to recognise key features of Classical Roman architecture.
What you will get during the day:
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Indoor classroom space for learning activities, break and lunchtimes and use of centre toilets.
Expert, experienced Education Visits Leader to lead learning activities in the classroom and around the rich built
environment of Chesterfield including organised access to specific buildings, museum or locations. All Education
Visits Leaders are qualified teachers.
Clipboards, worksheets, maps, photographs, pencils, pens, craft equipment as required for activities all
provided.
Hot drinks provided for supervising adults.
Visit Programme
Timing
Activity and Purpose
9.30
Welcome to Derbyshire Urban Studies Centre and your Education Visits Leader for the day.
Safety briefing and introduction to the day.
9.45
Classroom activity: Time line; caption and picture activity
In groups pupils will first match a picture to a caption and then put all the pictures into time line
order. This activity will give pupils an understanding of who the Romans were, why they changed
from being traders to invaders, Julius Caesar’s failed attempts to invade and conquer Great Britain,
when and under whose command did Great Britain become part of the Roman Empire and most
importantly, when did the Romans arrive in Chesterfield.
10.10
Classroom activity: Using maps and pictures to understand what happened at Chesterfield
Through the build-up of a basic plan map of what was here before the Romans (2 rivers and a hill)
pupils will begin to understand why the Romans chose to settle here and what they did here when
they did settle. By using a painting of Lunt Fort near Coventry pupils should be able to start to
picture what Chesterfield would have looked like in Roman times.
10.30
Break time
10.50
Fieldwork activity: Measuring where the Roman Fort used to be
After locating on a map where the Roman Fort in Chesterfield used to be, pupils in their groups will
use trundle wheels to measure the length of the fort. By walking through where the fort used to
be it is hoped that it will bring the painting of the Roman fort to life. They will be able to see where
the Vicus was and look down the hills to where the River Hipper and River Rother are, thus
embedding key details in the positioning of the fort.
11.20
Fieldwork activity: Visiting Chesterfield Museum
At the museum pupils will be able to look at and sketch the real Roman artefacts that were
uncovered in the area at the time of the archaeological dig that confirmed the presence of the fort
in Chesterfield. They will also be able to look at the ‘Morton Hoard’; a collection of Roman coins
found buried about 7 miles from Chesterfield.
12.00
Return to the centre for lunch
12.10
Lunchtime
12.50
Classroom activity: Have a go at being an Archaeologist
Using sand trays and buried pottery fragments pupils will be able to experience what it is like for
an archaeologist to try and build up a picture of what it is that they have uncovered. How sharing
ideas with people who have found similar parts can help with an investigation and how looking for
clues in the shape and design of fragments can give information about its original purpose and use.
1.15
Classroom activity: Investigating replica Roman artefacts
In groups pupils will handle a variety of replica Roman artefacts. They will try to work out what the
artefact was used for, looking for clues in the design and materials used. From these investigations
pupils will be asked what this information tells them about the Roman way of life.
1.45
Fieldwork activity: Looking for and sketching classical Roman architecture
Pupils will be introduced to the concept of a ‘Roman Legacy’. How the Romans left not just
physical items behind but also design ideas that have influenced many aspects of our current lives.
Pupils will learn about specific design features of Classical Roman architecture and then go out into
the town to look for these features before sketching them.
2.15
2.30
Return to centre and conclude the day
Departure from Derbyshire Urban Studies Centre.