Hewitt's History Files
FORTY years ago this year Fishbourne unveiled to the world one of the most significant Roman discoveries of the 20th century. Fishbourne Roman Palace was discovered by accident during the digging of a water main trench in 1960.
Eight years later it opened its doors as a museum - a fitting tribute to a truly remarkable site which even now has yet to reveal so many of its secrets.
Prompted by a Sunday Times colour feature, a young David Rudkin travelled from the Midlands to look at the remains in that first year. Forty years later, he still speaks about the experience '“ and indeed all that Fishbourne Roman Palace represents '“ with infectious and appealing enthusiasm.
For full feature see West Sussex Gazette August 20