Graeco-Roman Altars

A small collection of stone altars from the Roman period sits in Hertfordshire, just east of Henlow. They're fragments really - carved dedications and religious objects that once stood in temples or at roadsides across the empire. The gallery itself is modest, nothing grand, but that's rather the point. You're looking at genuine archaeology here, not reconstructions.

These pieces tell you something about Roman Britain that the big fort sites don't always manage. They're personal - dedications to gods, records of ordinary soldiers and settlers who lived through the occupation. The stonework varies wildly. Some altars are properly finished, others rough. You can see where names have been chiselled out deliberately, erased from memory by people who came after.

Truth be told, this isn't a destination in itself. You won't spend three hours here. But if you're staying at Henlow Bridge Lakes nearby and fancy a morning out, it's worth the trip into town. History buffs will find it fascinating - the interpretations help you understand what these objects meant to the people who made them. Families with restless kids might find it a bit dry, though the smaller pieces have genuine visual appeal.

Allow an hour maximum, maybe ninety minutes if you're reading everything carefully. Check opening hours before you go - details are thin on the ground for this one. It's the sort of place that rewards a quiet visit when you're not rushed.