Hidden below troubled waters

In 2019 Reading University researchers invited Monumental to produce interpretative visualisations of a Roman bridge (one of three bridges) that once spanned the River Tees at Piercebridge, near Darlington. 3,600 Roman objects including figurines such as one of Cupid, military items, and gold jewellery, rings and necklaces were found beneath where the bridge stood.

Rivers were considered dangerous in ancient times, with prayers and sacrifices to the river gods viewed as necessary to cross them safely. The research explored the gender, origin and beliefs of the people who used and deposited these objects. The archaeologists also considered the ritual qualities Romans attached to rivers.

Steve Keeling developed possible construction scenarios for the bridge based on site surveys and academic feedback. 3D modelling was used to create the bridge and place it into an accurate topographic setting of the period. Detailing was added and then handed to Aaron Watson for character development before the final scene was rendered. The result depicts the act of deposition and ceremonial offering from the bridge and shows, in the mid-foreground, the dangers of bridge crossings with the remains of an earlier bridge that was washed away.

Research lead - Professor Hella Eckardt and Dr Phillipa Walton, (2021) Bridge over troubled water: the Roman finds from the River Tees at Piercebridge in context. The project won a National award in 2022.