A CESTRIAN has written a comprehensive guide to Roman amphitheatres in England and Wales including Chester's magnificent example.
Roy Wilding, 63, of Mickle Traf-ford, decided to write the book after realising there was nothing like it in existence.
He said: 'I'm retired now. I was doing some voluntary work cleaning the finds from Chester Amphitheatre. I wondered whether there were any more amphitheatres around the country and I tried to find a book that covered the lot. There was nothing so I thought, I'll write it!'
Roy's book includes reference to current theories about the Chester amphitheatre which overturned the thinking of archaeologist Hugh Thompson who carried out excavations in the 1960s.
Roy used to work for Post Office telecommunications and its successor, BT, designing exchanges. He has also worked at Grosvenor Museum and as a safety officer for Chester & District Housing Trust. On retirement, he became a verger at the cathedral.
Since retiring he has completed an MA in Victorian Studies at Liverpool University.
Compiling his book on amphitheatres involved poring over re-search papers, going on the internet, speaking to museums and visiting some of the sites including Caerlon and Cirencester.
Roy, who was born in Hand-bridge, is married to Kath and has a son Ian, who did an archaeology degree.
Roy's previous books include Miller of the Dee, a history of Dee mills and Death in Chester which covers everything to do with death in the city through the ages including gladiatorial combat and the plague, plus ghost stories.
All proceeds from Roman Amphitheatres in England and Wales, will go to Claire House Hospice for terminally ill children in Wirral. It is available from the town hall tourist information centre and Chester Visitor Centre, opposite the amphitheatre, priced £10.99. Alternatively, ring Jane Ladyman at the visitor centre on 01244 351609.
