Jess Brown-Fuller Visits Fishbourne Roman Palace to Celebrate Sussex’s Rich Heritage

Jess Brown-Fuller MP visited Fishbourne Roman Palace to see first-hand one of the most remarkable historical sites in Sussex. Recognised as the largest Roman palace north of the Alps, Fishbourne offers an exceptional glimpse into Britain’s Roman life and the region’s long and fascinating history.

Visiting during English Tourism Week, the annual celebration of England’s tourism industry, Jess Brown-Fuller met with staff and volunteers and toured the palace. Exploring its first-century mosaics, carefully reconstructed Roman gardens and extensive archaeological collections, the visit showcased the quality of tourism businesses and attractions in Chichester.

The early black-and-white mosaics showcase expert craftsmanship, while artefacts from the site, including skeletons and evidence of imported animals from the Balkans, reveal the palace’s status and connections across the Roman world. At about 500,000 square feet, it has a larger footprint than Buckingham Palace.

Jess also visited the on-site lab and associated Collections Discovery Centre, which supports the extensive archaeological research on the site. She saw how the palace interprets the evolution of the building over centuries, layering Roman history with later Sussex stories, giving visitors a vivid sense of life across generations.

Fishbourne Roman Palace plays a vital role in local education and community engagement. Each year, 15,000 school children, predominantly from state schools, visit to explore history through storytelling and interactive experiences.

Community programmes include open-air theatre, literature festivals, and a week of talks on books and art. Free entry for parents of primary school children encourages family visits and ensures that the palace is accessible to all.

Jess visiting Fishbourne Roman Palace

Following the visit, Jess said:

Fishbourne Roman Palace is a jewel of Sussex and a remarkable part of our local heritage. From stunning mosaics, to the Roman gardens and the plethora of incredible archaeological finds, the palace brings history to life in a way which inspires young people and connects our present community with the past.

It’s wonderful to see staff and volunteers so dedicated to preserving and sharing this history with everyone, and it’s my hope that we can encourage people to recognise and visit attractions right on their doorstep.

Jess has repeatedly highlighted the importance of supporting local heritage, emphasising how sites like the Roman Palace contribute to community life.