Segedunum Roman Fort & Museum (Colin Davison)
Segedunum Roman Fort & Museum’s copper cladding is thought to have been stolen to be sold for scrap
Work is now underway on an initial set of repairs to yjr Segedunum Roman Fort & Museum following the theft of materials from its building.
Copper cladding was stolen from the museum causing damage to its roof, which has since made it more vulnerable to recent adverse weather conditions.
The museum, which is managed for the Council by Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums, has confirmed permanent repairs are set to begin following the settling of insurance claims for the damage and planning approval being granted.
The funding secured will see the copper cladding at the main entrance replaced with steel seam cladding, which has no scrap value and is hoped to deter further theft.
Geoff Woodward, Manager of Segedunum Roman Fort, said: “We’re delighted that this repair work is going ahead. The impact of the damaged roof has been frustrating for our visitors and challenging for the front of house team. It will be fantastic to see the roof restored and this popular World Heritage Site attraction back to normal.”
The roof works are due to be completed by the end of August.
Opened in June 2000, the museum tells the story of Segedunum, which means ‘Strong Fort’, which was built to guard the eastern end of Hardrian’s Wall and housed 600 Roman soldiers.
