Heritage: From Iron To Empire

Name: Finds Fridays at Stanwick Lakes
Start: 2026-09-04T10:30:00+01:00
End: 2026-09-04T13:30:00+01:00
Location: Stanwick Lakes

Our current project. A two-year journey into the Roman past of Stanwick Lakes

Home > From Iron To Empire

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 4th & Sunday 5th July
• Saturday 1st & Sunday 2nd August

Sunshine and Shovels: From Iron to Empire – Project Update

by Stanwick Lakes | 23 April 2026 | From Iron To Empire, Heritage | 0 Comments

There’s been a real sense of sunshine and shovels across the site over the last few weeks – helped along nicely by some glorious weather and the return of that warm glowing orb in the sky! It’s brought volunteers out in force, and what a difference a few weeks have...

Dig in: From Iron to Empire – 6 months in!

by Stanwick Lakes | 28 March 2026 | Featured, From Iron To Empire, Heritage | 0 Comments

We're now six months into our heritage project, and what a start it's been! While the winter months were mostly about preparation and planning, the past couple of months have really flown by, and the work is well and truly underway - all thanks to the dedication,...

From Iron To Empire – An exciting new Heritage Project begins!

by Stanwick Lakes | 20 January 2026 | Featured News, From Iron To Empire, Heritage | 0 Comments

Discover how Stanwick Lakes is uncovering its Roman past through the new From Iron to Empire heritage project. From experimental archaeology and Roman textiles to causeway building and a new log boat, the project brings the hidden history of the Nene Valley to life with the help of volunteers and communities.