ONE of York’s hidden gems is to host York’s Roman Festival later this month.

The festival will take place on May 29 and May 30 in the grounds of Grays Court, one of York’s most historic buildings, beside the city walls and alongside the Treasurer’s House.

A small Roman camp will be set up in the grounds and throughout both days, there will be Romans and Celts on hand to give talks and demonstrations on Roman weapons, armour, food and cooking, medicine, religion, bathing and toilets. On the Saturday evening, the house will also be the setting for a magnificent themed evening, which includes Roman-style food and drink, followed by a grand auction to help raise funds for a bigger festival next year.

People can bid for lots including their own slave for the evening, a two-night break for two at York’s Monkbar Hotel, a pampering day for two at the Verbena Spa, a P&O ferry crossing for two (plus car) and four two-day Yorkshire cricket passes.

Grays Court, dating back to 1080 and now a tearoom and bistro, is thought to be the oldest continuously occupied house in the country. The building and grounds stand on the site of a Roman legionary fortress.

“The place is steeped in history and has beautiful grounds, so what better place to hold York’s Roman Festival,” said organiser Keith Mulhearn.