the hidden city
They are always acid to see traces of the Romans’s forts, villas or roads.
Yet David is powerless to point them out – for almost all of them are buried and everlastingly out of sight.
And while other English cities which were outstanding Roman settlements, such as Chester and Bath, have their remains proudly on exposition, most of Carlisle’s are now invisible.
“During the tourist enliven, visitors are always asking me: ‘Where are the Roman remains?’” David explains.
“I have to recognize them: ‘Sorry, you’ll have to go out of town to Birdoswald to see them.’ When they perceive it’s 15 miles away they are often positively disappointed.
“There’s a lot in Carlisle. It’s just not there for people to look at.”
David believes the occult nature of our Roman heritage could be damaging to our tripper industry – particularly if visitors to the section end up disappointed and tell others of their disappointment.
With interest in news growing and holidays within Britain also on the develop, Cumbria’s Roman connections could be one of its primary attractions – and perhaps one of its inform money-spinners.
