In 1823 local antiquarian, Edmund Tyrell Artis, started publication of a series of “plates” illustrating his discoveries of ancient buildings and artefacts. Additional plates were delivered to subscribers on a regular basis, building into a work collectively known as the Durobrivae of Antoninus. The finds were predominantly Roman and Artis related them to the town of Durobrivae referred to in the fifth journey of Antoninus through Britain.

To celebrate 200 years since their original publication, the Nene Valley Archaeological Trust commissioned a facsimile copy – with an introduction by Dr Stephen Upex. This book was launched at the recent NVAT conference.

The illustrations are both useful archaeological records and things of beauty in their own right.

They include well known views of excavations undertaken close to Castor church, detailed maps of finds in the area, and coloured drawings of a series of Roman mosaics (including the one FRAG visited at Milton).

Both hardback and softback versions are now available from the NVAT website. Either would make a perfect Christmas present!