Vindolanda is the home of Britain’s ‘Top Treasure’ – the Vindolanda Writing Tablets. With live excavations taking place every year, it is one of Europe’s most important archaeological sites. In addition to a Roman fort the archaeologists have also excavated the ‘vicus’ (civilian village) outside the fort. The museum is one of the best in Europe with an astounding collection of organic materials such as textiles, jewellery and leather shoes. It is quite right that the writing tablets take pride of place. These thin, slivers of wood are the personal and military correspondence of the people that lived here nearly 2000 years ago. The writing tablets offer unique insight into what life like for soldiers and civilians living on Hadrian’s Wall.