Once I was a clever boy learning the arts of Oxford... is a quotation from the verses written by Bishop Richard Fleming (c.1385-1431) for his tomb in Lincoln Cathedral. Fleming, the founder of Lincoln College in Oxford, is the subject of my research for a D. Phil., and, like me, a son of the West Riding. I have remarked in the past that I have a deeply meaningful on-going relationship with a dead fifteenth century bishop... it was Fleming who, in effect, enabled me to come to Oxford and to learn its arts, and for that I am immensely grateful.


Monday 6 March 2023

Roman Colchester


The oldest and also now one of the newest cities in the country, Colchester, continues to discover and interpret its very impressive Roman heritage.

Two recent online reports have drawn attention to the Colchester Vase, which is dated to the period 160-200, and is a high quality pottery vessel which depicts gladiators in combat. It was used to hold the ashes of a man who was apparently in his forties and who probably came from the continent. It is one of the few pieces of evidence for gladiatorial contests in Roman Britain. The Vase was discovered in the mid-nineteenth century and can be seen in the Castle Museum in Colchester when it reopens in July.

The BBC News website has an article about it which can be seen at Gladiators battled in Britain, evidence suggests

The History Blog has an account of the piece at Colchester Vase was gladiator sports memorabilia

Previous reports from the BBC News website indicate the scale of Roman Colchester - Camuludunum - as can be seen in a 2016 article at 'Largest Roman arcade' in Britain to go on show in Colchester and at Colchester Roman circus visitor centre a step closer from 2012.


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