Roman links to be 'reimagined' with museum grant

A Berkshire town's Roman heritage will be "reimagined" thanks to an £80,000 government grant.

Reading Museum said it plans to use the money to create a new interactive gallery, "based on decades of ground-breaking research by the University of Reading" and a Roman festival to celebrate its opening.

Its new Calleva Gallery will showcase local archaeological finds as part of its Roman Britain – Reimagined in Reading project.

The free entry museum is already home to several important historic artefacts, including a replica Bayeux Tapestry and items from a nearby Roman ruin in Silchester, Hampshire.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) announced on Friday it would be awarding a total of £4m across 24 local museums to improve accessibility to arts and culture.

Alongside the DCMS/Wolfson Foundation grant, Reading Museum said it has also secured £714,785 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, £236,808 in cash contributions and £28,000 in non-cash support, including volunteer time and in-kind expertise.

The Calleva Gallery will showcase the ruins and archaeological history of Silchester, one of the most significant Roman towns in Britain.

Designed to be immersive, it will feature tactile experiences and 3D objects to help visitors learn about Reading's Roman heritage.

Various artefacts including the Silchester Eagle, the Iron Age Silchester Horse and the Christian Caversham Font will be on display.

Donna Pentelow, culture lead at Reading Borough Council, said the grant would allow future generations to "reimagine one of the most remarkable periods of our past".

"The Roman Britain – Reimagined project will not only highlight the exceptional archaeological discoveries from Silchester but will also deliver an inclusive, hands-on experience that celebrates the diversity and energy of our community," she said.