We have called this section 'Mercia & The Marches' as more of an eye-catcher than an accurate description of it. Since VH is based in Shropshire & the West Midlands, most of the portfolio work we have built up has been of sites within these two ancient areas. Since we already had the material we decided to create a section dedicated especially to these regions and their incredible part in UK history.

For those not familiar with the UK's past, Mercia was an Anglo-Saxon kingdom; the middle-Angels to be precise. (If you click on this link a map at Britannia's web site will open showing you the extent of its territory). Their kingdom was a little bigger than we have covered, but the sites we have reconstructed still lie within it. 'The Marches' was a name given to the lands that fall within the English/Welsh boarders. They are also known as the Welsh Marches. An area of much turmoil, fascinating history and a wealth of ruins. Together, Mercia and the Marches probably contain the most amount of historical sites in the UK; there are over 50 Iron Age hill forts in Shropshire alone and even more Bronze Age sites.

You can see our recreations in various forms: from computer graphic stills to QuickTime Virtual Reality panoramas. In addition, nearly all the sites and their accompanying image galleries and articles contain photographs of the sites as they are today. (Image galleries require you to become a member). One of the sites - The Berth Iron Age hill fort - also has a detailed and extensive virtual tour and another - Wroxeter Roman City - is in the process of being given the same treatment.

Arthurian

The Marches also has a strong association with the Arthurian Legends and recent studies have found that, whoever the historical figure was behind the mythical king, this region was part of his field of activity. Many of these theories include possible contacts with the Berth and Wroxeter, but you'll have to throw away any ideas of Medieval knights in shining armour. These gentlemen weren't the romantic or chivalrous type.