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What was life like in Roman Preston?

Posted on - 16th October, 2022 - 7:00pm | Author - | Posted in - History, Kirkham, Preston News, Walton-le-Dale
Reconstruction of a Roman smithy Pic: John Marshall
Reconstruction of a Roman smithy Pic: John Marshall

The Romans had forts at Ribchester and Kirkham, with an East-West main road passing through Fulwood. Another road from Wigan to Lancaster passed along the edge of the modern city. There was also a settlement at Walton-le-Dale. The lives of northern Romans can be surmised from finds in other areas. Everything from what they wore under their togas to what they ate is known.

The Walton-le-Dale military supply depot

The site of the Roman camp at Walton Le Dale Pic: Google
The site of the Roman camp at Walton Le Dale Pic: Google

On a bend in the River Ribble sits the site of the Roman Walton-le-Dale supply depot. This is now the Capitol Centre, but here the sound of hammer on anvil was once heard. The road from Wigan to Lancaster travelled under the car parks and crossed the river near the modern bridge.

The site at Walton-le-Dale was mostly industrial, making military equipment for the army. Therefore you would expect blacksmiths to be present. The supply depot was set in a well-defended area between the rivers Darwen and Ribble, to the south of the modern bridge. 

Buildings laid out along the road were used to house metal working forges. evidence suggests that Britons were working here under the Romans, probably manufacturing knives and other bladed items. 

Roman food

Roman food on a second century mosaic Pic: Owlcation
Roman food on a second century mosaic Pic: Owlcation

Food in the Iron Age was much more seasonal than now. Food was preserved by salting, drying or smoking. Grain such as wheat or barley was stored in pits covered by a clay dome. The Romans had a much more sophisticated method of storage, with purpose built granaries. The granary remains at Ribchester can be viewed today. The floors were mounted on stone pillars and they had ventilation to prevent rot. This method of construction also kept the vermin out. Northern winters were harsh and food would have been scarce for the lower classes. 

In Preston, fish from the local rivers would have been supplemented by seasonal fruit from the hedgerows, such as blackberries. Additionally, much wine was imported, as water was considered not safe to drink by the nobility. The peasants would have had to do with water from a well.

Roman dress

A Roman tunic Pic: Battle-Merchant
A Roman tunic Pic: Battle-Merchant

Civilian men wore tunics which were often belted at the waist. Denizens of country frontier regions such as Preston probably continued to wear native trousers or breeches. This was considered barbaric by the Roman nobility, although Roman legionnaires did still wear a form of knee breeches. Cloaks were used by both men and women in winter. 

Women wore a stola which was a kind of long pleated dress. This was worn over a slip or tunica intimaWomen also wore a loin cloth underneath the dress.

What did the Romans wear underneath

How to fit a Roman loincloth Pic: earlychurchistory . org
How to fit a Roman loincloth Pic: earlychurchistory . org

Leather briefs have been found, although these were probably used by athletes. More normal would have been a loincloth, which was a sort of one piece adult nappy, with ties at either side. After a rather complicated folding procedure they were then tied at the front.

Overall life would have continued much as it had during the Iron Age. The area around Preston was of strategic importance being at the junction of so many roads, although no signs of occupation have been found in Preston itself.



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