From AD 95 to AD410
The Romans built a fort on the River Kent to support their military occupation of the north. There is little evidence that they had a lasting impact on the Kendal landscape but they were a practical and orderly bunch and brought over 100 new plant species to Britain, including those in this planter. These were mainly useful – for example, crops (such as cabbages) or medicinal herbs. But weeds like the now dreaded ground-elder also arrived.
In Kendal’s Roman Fort they left behind part of a statue of Bacchus – their God of “Fun, Festivals and Wine“. This can be seen in Kendal Museum with many other fascinating exhibits. Bacchus was also a popular subject for Roman mosaics across the empire, two of which we’ve copied here to encourage Kendal’s party mood.