Segedunum Roman Fort awarded funding to enhance World Heritage Site

Segedunum Roman Fort in Wallsend, part of the Frontiers of the Roman Empire UNESCO World Heritage Site, has been awarded £213,100 from The Wolfson Foundation and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to enhance the heritage site and visitor experience. 

Segedunum is one of 24 museums across the country that has been awarded a share of £4million in funding to improve displays, protect collections and make exhibitions more accessible to visitors. 

The project will revitalise the exterior visitor experience of Segedunum Roman Fort, transforming the way visitors engage with one of the UK’s most significant Roman heritage sites. 

Over the past 25 years, new archaeological discoveries, such as the original Bath House uncovered in 2014, and new research has significantly advanced knowledge of the site. This project seeks to reinterpret and reinvigorate the fort’s outdoor spaces, ensuring the presentation reflects the latest scholarship and delivers a compelling, accessible, and environmentally responsible experience for a broad range of audiences. 

New interpretive elements will include tactile maps to support accessibility, life-size Roman figure cut-outs and augmented reality (AR) experiences to bring the site to life. For families, a new self-guided family trail will encourage outdoor exploration and active learning.  

Segedunum is also a key point on the Hadrian’s Wall National Trail. The project will introduce new signage and information panels for trail users, alongside a welcoming feature marking the start or end of their journey. 

New planting will enhance biodiversity while reflecting flora known from the Roman period and the existing Roman herb garden will be expanded.  

Geoff Woodward, Museum Manager said: 

“We’re thrilled to have been successful in our application to The DCMS/Wolfson Museums and Galleries Improvement Fund. It is often hard for visitors to imagine what the fort would have looked like in Roman times when they are standing on what is now a fairly flat site. This funding will help us to develop layers of interpretation to bring the site to life for all visitors from young children to Roman enthusiasts.” 

Segedunum Roman Fort is one of the most extensively excavated and accessible forts on Hadrian’s Wall, offering insight into Roman Britain and the Frontiers of the Roman Empire UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Built around AD 126 where the Wall meets the River Tyne, Segedunum marks the eastern end (or beginning) of Hadrian’s Wall. Covering 1.64 hectares, the Scheduled Ancient Monument reveals how the Romans organised and defended the northern frontier of their empire. 

Segedunum Roman Fort & Museum is managed by North East Museums on behalf of North Tyneside Council.