Heritage: From Iron To Empire
Our current project. A two-year journey into the Roman past of Stanwick Lakes
A grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund has enabled an exciting new two-year project exploring the Roman heritage of Stanwick Lakes and the wider Nene Valley. From Iron to Empire builds on the success of our previous prehistoric projects and marks the first time we have delved into this rich period of history.
Working alongside volunteers, schools and local groups, the project will uncover how people lived, worked and thrived during the Roman era.
Through experimental archaeology and hands-on activity, visitors will be able to experience ancient techniques first-hand, from construction and craft to food, textiles and industry, bringing the landscape of nearly 2,000 years ago vividly back to life.
Project Overview
Follow along with the latest news and the progress mad within “From Iron To Empire” via our blog and volunteer diaries!
From Iron To Empire:
Key Project Milstones…
Stanwick Lakes Heritage is working with specialist partners, archaeologists and our dedicated volunteers to deliver this ambitious programme.
Across the site, a range of exciting projects are already underway, including:
Replica Roman Pottery Kiln
Constructing and firing a working kiln using traditional materials and techniques
Villa Viewpoint
Creating an interpretation space overlooking the remains of a significant Roman villa
Roman Garden
Growing plants used for food, medicine and crafts in the Roman period
Textiles and Dyes
Recreating Romano-British clothing and experimenting with natural dyes
Big Bronze Age Boat Build & Jetty
Continuing our experimental archaeology work using replica tools and ancient methods
You can follow the project as it develops and see history in the making at our open to-all engagement weekends:
Heritage Build Weekends:
• Saturday 30th & Sunday 31st May
• Saturday 1st & Sunday 2nd August – part of the Festival of Archaeology 2026
• Sunday 20th September – part of Heritage Open Days 2026
Made possible by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, thanks to National Lottery players!
Heritage Events
Alongside the project, we host a range of heritage events to tell the story of the ‘From Iron To Empire’ project and support the charity’s heritage work.
Take a look at some upcoming dates:
Events
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Heritage Talk: Bronze Age Burials And Ceremonial Landscape
Stanwick LakesBronze Age Burials And Ceremonial Landscape A heritage talk by Professor Stephen Upex The coming of the Bronze Age heralds major changes in the way that society appears to have […]
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Finds Fridays at Stanwick Lakes
Stanwick LakesDiscover more about the objects you’ve found, 300 years or older, with Northamptonshire’s Finds Liaison Officer, Eleanore Cox.
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Heritage Open Day
Stanwick LakesDiscover the everyday lives spanning 5,000 years at Stanwick Lakes. From Roman crafts and Viking camps to blacksmithing, Roman pottery kilns and Bronze Age Boat building - explore the skills, […]
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Heritage Talk: The Roman invasion of AD 43 and the conquest of Britain
Stanwick LakesThe Roman invasion of AD 43 and the conquest of Britain A heritage talk by Professor Stephen Upex The Romans sent an invasion force to Britain in AD 43 and […]
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Heritage Talk: Understanding Roman Northamptonshire
Stanwick LakesUnderstanding Roman Northamptonshire A heritage talk by Dr Michael J Curtis Northamptonshire occupies a central position within the landscape of Roman Britain, yet its remarkable archaeological heritage is often overshadowed by more familiar Roman sites elsewhere in the country. This talk explores how the county was transformed following the Roman conquest, revealing a landscape of […]
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Heritage Talk: Northamptonshire Villas and Life in the Countryside
Stanwick LakesNorthamptonshire Villas and Life in the Countryside A heritage talk by Dr Michael J Curtis Roman Northamptonshire was a predominantly rural landscape, where prosperous villas, bustling farmsteads, and productive agricultural estates formed the backbone of the local economy. While the grand villas often capture our imagination with their mosaics, bathhouses, and luxurious accommodation, they were […]