The Ribchester Roman Museum is Lancashire’s only dedicated Roman antiquities museum.  Come and explore the fascinating ancient Roman history of this picturesque village on the banks of the river Ribble that was once the Roman cavalry fort and settlement of Bremetenacum Veteranorum.

We are in high demand as an educational resource for schools – see our schools page for details – and conduct a number of activities for children throughout the year. We also hold an annual weekend-long Roman festival, sited on the village playing fields, and metal detector experience days – see below for details about these.

  • A group of Roman officers

The Ribchester 'cavalry sports' (Hippika gymnasia) helmet. Originally gilded or silvered, these helmets were worn for show by skilled riders during the 'hippika gymnasia' cavalry show exercises which were ritualised tournaments in which Roman cavalry practiced and demonstrated their skills.
The Ribchester ‘cavalry sports’ (Hippika gymnasia / ἱππικὰ γυμνάσια) helmet. Originally gilded or silvered, these helmets were worn for show by skilled riders during the ‘hippika gymnasia’ cavalry show exercises which were ritualised tournaments in which Roman cavalry practiced and demonstrated their skills. The original is now in the British Museum with a replica on show in this museum.

Ribchester Museum of Roman Antiquities is a registered charity with the UK Charity Commission
Charity number: 510490