Bridging the North Sea
Connectivity in the North Sea Basin in Roman and Modern times
The Bridging the North Sea project, supported by the Straits Committee, aims to set up an innovative transnational network of scientists, scholars, civil workers, commercial organizations, museums, curators en volunteers along the coast of the North Sea Basin covering four countries to start with: United Kingdom, France, Belgium and the Netherlands
The goal of the international consortium is to produce an open source digital map with information on Roman maritime infrastructure and climate change as well as an multi-national exhibition “Travelling the North Sea in Roman times” accompanied by a storybook and podcasts. In general the BtNS-network supports research and public outreach on the North Sea basin in Roman times, raising awareness among modern coastal residents of their common maritime heritage.
Regions covered
Zuid-Holland; Zeeland (NL); West-Flanders; East-Flanders (BE); Departement de Nord; Pas-de-Calais (FR); Kent (UK) and outside the Straits network, Suffolk, Tyne and Wear, and Scotland (UK)
Project partners
Straits
Province of Zuid-Holland; Museumpark Archeon; Hazenberg Archeologie; Stichting Museumaprk Archeon; Municipality of Goedereede; Province of Zeeland; Cultuurforum Aardenburg; Province of West-Flanders; Romeins Archeologisch Museum Oudenburg; Kent Country Council; Newcastle University (out-of-area-partner); Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums (out-of-area-partner); Province of West-Flanders; Romeins Archeologisch Museum Oudenburg; University of Ghent; CHIB/CHAB; City of Boulogne-Sur-Mer. Out-of-Straits-area partners: Dunwich Museum; North East Museums, and National Museum of Scotland
The Straits Committee, consisting of seven local authorities from four countries, has facilitated the realization of this project. The Committee is dedicated to promoting collaborations and initiatives that create positive opportunities among residents, businesses, stakeholders, and communities in the coastal countries of the North Sea Channel.
The Committee provides support for projects encompassing diverse themes such as climate change, the blue economy, and heritage. The Committee includes the Département du Nord and the Département du Pas-de-Calais from France, the Province of West Flanders and the Province of East Flanders from Belgium, the Province of Zeeland from the Netherlands, and the Kent County Council from the United Kingdom. Although the regions of Suffolk, Tyne and Wear and Scotland in the UK falls outside the Straits region, it is included due to its significant involvement in the ‘Bridging the North Sea’ project
Reports