Wells & Mendip Museum has opened a new permanent display exploring the Roman history of Mendip.

The Roman Mendip gallery focuses on the significance of lead mining in the area and what life was like for miners, occupying Romans and the communities that grew up around the industry.

The museum says the display responds to visitor and school demand for more Roman material.

It will also be supported by a programme of Roman-themed events and activities.

A key object now on show is a Roman lead ingot, or "pig", found at Westbury-sub-Mendip in 2016.

The ingot is significant because it can be precisely dated, provides further evidence of Roman lead mining at Charterhouse-on-Mendip, and points to previously unrecognised Roman activity at Westbury.

It carries an inscription translating as: "property of the two August Emperors Antoninus and Verus, conquerors of Armenia."

Marcus Aurelius, also known as Antoninus, and Lucius Verus ruled jointly between 164 and 169 AD.

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The lead came from Charterhouse, where there was also a Roman town and a small amphitheatre.

Mendip lead and silver were exported to other parts of the Roman empire, with lead used for water pipes, coffins and pewter.

A hoard of 89 Roman Radiate coins found nearby is also represented in the display.

The ingot is on loan from the South West Heritage Trust.

Its acquisition is dedicated to the memory of Barry Lane, former curator of the museum, who was passionate about uncovering the history of Westbury-sub-Mendip.

Admission to the Roman Mendip display is included in the museum entry charge.

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