#caistor

Archaeologists are hoping an ancient temple will be key to revealing further secrets about our county’s fascinating Roman past.

The temple is buried around 700m north-east of the Roman town of Venta Icenorum at Caistor St Edmund, near Norwich.

St Paulinus of York’s Day

St Paulinus. Source: Catholic Saints website

Today is St Paulinus of York’s Day. Paulinus was a seventh century missionary and the first Bishop of York. He also performed the most pointless miracle of early Christianity. Paulinus was riding an ass near Caistor in Lincolnshire when he realised his humble steed was suffering greatly from hunger. The saint spotted a farmer carrying a large sack of grain. When Paulinus asked for a little of the man’s crop for his ass, the farmer scornfully told him that the sack was in fact a stone. ‘So be it’ replied the unimpressed bishop and in front of the horrified farmer’s eyes, his sack was transformed into a large stone. Paulinus probably felt vindicated but his ass stayed hungry.

Caistor Views

Wolds View Touring Park

115, Brigg Road

Pitches: 60 on grass and gravel. Ramps may be necessary.

Daily Charges: ca. £20,00 (June) All inclusive

Location:

This small adults only site is situated on the outskirts of the small town of Caistor. The pitches are quite large and fairly flat. The main building houses the reception, toilet and shower facilities, a small dish-washing and laundry room and also a small café/bistro which serves breakfasts and coffee and snacks on weekends and bank holidays in the high season. The owners are very friendly. The shower and toilet facilities are modern, clean and warm. Some camping items are available at the reception. Chemical toilet and drive over grey water disposal on site.

The town of Caistor is pretty close and can be reached by foot. The coastline on the Humber Estuary and the towns of Lincoln, Hull and Grimsby are within easy driving distance.

Conclusion: The site is small and very well cared for. We would return.

Villagers living in the shadow of a Roman settlement are set to discover new links to the past as archaeologists begin to dig up their gardens.

Evidence has revealed the town of Venta Icenorum at Caistor St Edmund, near Norwich, extends "substantially" beyond the current archaeological site.

Over the weekend, experts are digging test pits to determine the extent of Roman occupation in the area.

It is hoped the work will reveal more about life there before the Romans.