Brough between Petuaria and the culture of remembrance

Brough brings together several layers of history: Petuaria offers a glimpse into the Roman occupation, Brough Haven into its former use as a naval base and its present-day roles in flood relief, recreation and biodiversity. There is also the Elloughton and Brough War Memorial and a service at All Saints’ Church. Roman local history, public remembrance and present-day functions sit side by side, offering three different perspectives on Brough.

Petuaria: Roman history in numbers

During the Roman occupation, from around 70 AD, the settlement at Brough was called Petuaria. The Roman fort at Brough covered about 4.5 acres. By 270 AD, Petuaria was enclosed by a stone wall 9 feet thick. These figures shed light on two different scales: the area describes the extent of the fort, while the wall measurement describes its thickness. This makes Roman history tangible not just through a name, but through specific measurements.

Today’s Burrs Playing Field covers about a third of the former Roman site of Petuaria. A mini-museum about Petuaria has also been set up at Brough Library. Together, these offer different ways to explore local history: the playing field lies above part of the former site, while the mini-museum presents Petuaria as a subject of local interpretation.

Brough Haven: historic use and present-day roles

Brough Haven tells the story of more than one era. The Romans used it as a naval base. The adopted East Riding Local Plan classifies Brough Haven as a green infrastructure asset valued by the local community, with roles in flood relief, recreation and biodiversity.

The contrast between its former use and present-day roles offers a distinctive perspective for travellers interested in both Roman local history and environmental and community issues. The Haven thus combines a historic role with its current designation as part of the green infrastructure.

War memorial and service

The Elloughton and Brough War Memorial in Brough is a Grade II listed building. It commemorates the First and Second World Wars. The listing category describes the building’s heritage status, while the dedication identifies the historical occasion being commemorated. Alongside Petuaria, the memorial thus introduces a different period into the local history.

A service following the traditional and Common Worship liturgies takes place at All Saints’ Church every Thursday at 10:00 am. If you would like to include the service in your travel plans, check the arrangements before your visit.

Brough as a holiday destination

When looking for a holiday rental in Brough, you can start with the aspect that interests you most: Petuaria and the war memorial lead to different historical periods, while Brough Haven brings together Roman use and present-day roles. If the Thursday service matters to you, factor it into your plans once you have confirmed the arrangements.

Discover more destinations: Bubwith, Beeford, Flamborough, Driffield, Withernsea, Bridlington, Nafferton, Pocklington

For the broader travel guide: East Riding Of Yorkshire.