Trimontium Exhibition Page

This modern, permanent and professional display, originally entitled 'The Trimontium Exhibition' was opened by Andrew L Tulley Esq, then Provost of Ettrick and Lauderdale District Council in July 1991. The Ł30,000 was raised by the Trimontium Trust, which was founded by local people in 1988 to promote interest in the site, rekindled by the Melrose Bypass proposals. An amateur exhibition, put on with the assistance of the National Museums, the Vindolanda Trust and interested individuals ran in the renovated Melrose Station building during the 1989 and 1990 seasons.
	2nd Century Cavalry Sports Helmet 2nd Century Cavalry Parade Chamfron
The Museum, which is self-supporting and for entry to which an admission charge is made, is open in the Ormiston, Melrose Square from the beginning of April to the end of October each year from 10.30 am to 4.30 pm, seven days per week. It consists of a series of illustrated panels and modern artefact display cases; aerial photographs; artists' drawings; models; maps; the Newstead charger - to ride; a blacksmith's workshop; a Roman kitchen and pottery; replica armour; and a video room, now showing a Roman Frontiers video of Hadrian's Wall and the Antonine Wall. Mementos of your visit are available, including postcards, books and relevant souvenirs. The audioguide, which accompanies the admission ticket, if you wish, has the distinctive voice of Bill McLaren (of Borders and rugby fame) to take you round. The Museum which opened in July 1991 as the first of its kind in the town, has become over the years an affiliated outpost of the National Museums of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh, where the majority of the Trimontium finds (labelled 'Newstead') are housed in the Early Peoples section.
	Roman Soldiers' Helmets 2nd Century Twentieth Legion Soldier
In 1995 a replica well was constructed of actual stones taken from a Roman well, discovered in the 'rescue' excavations in advance of Melrose Bypass Phase III. A replica Roman Newstead saddle by the master craftsman Peter Connolly was bought by the Trust, together with a replica Roman military armguard made in curving bronze strips and goatskin. Remnants of armguards have been found at a very few sites, including Trimontium. The saddle is fitted on a gym 'buck' - Bucephalus - facing a full-length mirror, and young visitors are encouraged to mount, see themselves in action, and obtain a Trimontium Cavalry certificate of proficiency, signed by the Master of the Horse. Since 1995 the Trust has operated 'The Trimontium Walk', linking the exhibition to the site and its wonderful views and atmosphere, by a guided walk and souvenir leaflet, every Thursday afternoon from April to October (on Tuesdays as well in July and August) via the South Front of the Abbey, the Prior's Walk to Newstead, a loop round the Trimontium fort, annexes, amphitheatre, memorial stone, river crossing and Victorian railway viaduct, and tea in the village hall before returning to Melrose. Over the years very good contacts have been built up with schools which send classes to undertake the interactive Route March from the Leaderfoot Bridges (Tripontium) to Newstead Millennium Milestone and thereafter tour the Museum, ending with a sword demonstration and costumes. All year round arrangements are made direct with the Hon. Secretary on Tel. No. 01896 822651 for visits by groups of any age and interest. A Young Archaeologists' Club, based on the Museum started in 1996. The Trust organises an annual outing to places of interest eg the Gask Ridge in July 2005. The Museum hosts a twice per year series of public celebrity lectures - three before Christmas , and three in March - which are published in the Trust's annual newsletter, on this website and which are free to Members. The Walter Elliot book on 'The Story of Trimontium' (which won the Robertson Award in 1995 for a publication of its type) is also sold at the Museum and the academic publication on the 1989-98 excavations by Bradford University is awaited in 2006/2007, to be followed by a conference. Details of membership of the Trust Garrison are available entitling you to free entry, the newsletter and the weekly Trimontium Walk , the six annual lectures and the Trust outings to sites. Please contact the Honorary Secretary, Donald Gordon at 01896 822651 or by e-mail at secretary@freeserve.co.uk.

See the story of TRIMONTIUM - Agricola's Three Peaks' Roman fort and annexes at Newstead in the Tweed Valley (80AD -185AD), high above the river crossing, stretching up to the Celtic tribal capital on the North peak - Eildon Hill North.

Don't miss

the Roman amphitheatre (most Northerly in Roman Empire)

Trio Montanus Vertex (Trimontium Man)

Claudius flooring Britannia (Roman spin)

the models and aerial photographs

the blacksmith's, kitchen and pottery shops

artefacts from excavations; from beads to beakers, ironwork and the 'Roman tile mouse'

	replica armour and the unique armguard
	Admire children's corner and the Emperor's ringstone
	Take your pick of book and souvenir
	Watch the video on Roman frontiers
	Hear you-know-who on the audio guide.
	See the 700 BC little axes from Eildon Hill North tribal capital (plus 300 house platforms - and Roman signal station)

Listen to the Trumpet sounds of the Garrison and for the musically minded, follow the score. To access the music just click the trumpeter.

RIDE THE NEWSTEAD CHARGER

THE THREE HILLS ROMAN HERITAGE CENTRE,

housing the registered Trimontium Museum is based in

THE ORMISTON, THE SQUARE, MELROSE

and tells the story of

"A ROMAN FRONTIER POST AND ITS PEOPLE"

Location

Opening Times

Admission

View a map of the Scottish Borders

Please e-mail your comments and suggestions to : secretary@trimontium.freeserve.co.uk
Updating of the website by SCSupport Date: August 2005