Forest recalls demise of the Romans

And visitors to one of the region’s forests this weekend will be given an insight into the tail-end of the Romans’ time in North Yorkshire.

The Comitatus period history group will be at Dalby Forest, near Pickering, to show what military life was like at about the time of the fifth century AD.

The acclaimed outfit takes its name from an elite unit based near Bridlington ordered to repel foreign invaders.

The history group will demonstrate spears, swords and axes and a siege weapon called the ballista – as well as daily life in the army.

Chief recreation ranger Cath Brason said: “North Yorkshire was a major base for the legions in their bid to secure the empire’s frontiers. Comitatus will explain how troops were recruited and what they ate, with camp followers baking bread, working leather and showing medical treatments.

“It’s a fabulous and authentic glimpse into a little known yet crucial period.”

The event will be concentrated around Dalby Forest’s visitor centre and activities will run on Saturday and Sunday.