Discover Brough: Petuaria and local history

If you are planning a hotel stay in Brough, its local history and specific historical references provide a clear thematic framework. Petuaria points to the Roman period; the Elloughton and Brough War Memorial and Brough Haven represent other distinct aspects of the town, in terms of both time and subject matter. This gives you the chance to consider which themes you would like to shape your stay before looking for a hotel.

Petuaria: Roman name, fort and former site

During the Roman occupation, which began around AD 70, the settlement in Brough was known as Petuaria. The Roman fort at Petuaria covered about 4.5 acres. By AD 270, Petuaria was surrounded by a stone wall nine feet thick. These are distinct reference points for placing the history in time: according to the stated information, the occupation began around AD 70; the wall measurement refers to AD 270.

The area measurements also have different reference points. The approximately 4.5 acres describe the fort. By contrast, today’s Burrs Playing Field covers about a third of the former Roman site of Petuaria. This third refers to the former site, not the area of the fort. Together, the name, wall thickness and area references convey different aspects of Roman Brough without conflating them into a single measurement.

Commemoration and Brough Haven

The Elloughton and Brough War Memorial is a Grade II listed building in Brough. It commemorates the First and Second World Wars. The memorial’s name mentions Elloughton and Brough; the building is located in Brough. This place of remembrance complements the Roman focus with the memory of two world wars.

Brough Haven has both a historical and a present-day context. In Roman times, the Haven was used as a naval base. The adopted East Riding Local Plan strategy also identifies it as a green infrastructure asset valued by the local community, with functions relating to flood alleviation, recreation and biodiversity. Its Roman use and its current planning-related functions belong to different periods.

Worship, Roman festival and mini-museum

A service using traditional liturgy and Common Worship is held at All Saints’ Church in Brough every Thursday at 10:00 am. If you would like to include this in your stay, check the arrangements for services before visiting.

A community Roman festival organised by Petuaria ReVisited began at Burrs Playing Field in Brough-on-Humber on 12 July 2025. If a future event is the reason for your trip, check the announced dates before booking.

A mini-museum about Petuaria has been set up in Brough Library. If you would like to visit, check access in advance before including it in your plans.

Discover more destinations: Hull, Goole, North Newbald, Skirpenbeck, Hutton Cranswick, Aldbrough, Pocklington, Everingham.

For the wider travel guide: East Riding Of Yorkshire.