RIBCHESTER is unique not just because it is historically wonderful but also because it is the only village which is set directly on the banks of the River Ribble.

At first sight it would appear that the fort known to the Romans as Bremetannacum is not directly on the river.

This is because over the last 2,000 years the Ribble has actually changed its course.

Ribchester's three-arched bridge, built in 1774, stands astride the old Roman ford. General Agricola established the fort in AD 80 and it was set on a network of roads leading out to Chester, Manchester, Lancaster and York.

On part of the old site is the impressive Roman Museum built in 1914, which has been kept up-to-date and was extended during the Millennium celebrations.

Here are many artefacts recovered from a number of excavations carried out over the years.

There are well-preserved coins, pottery and even more delicate items made of leather and wood.

There are carved stones, altars and tombstones. Alas there is only a replica of an ornate parade helmet found in 1796.

The original is now kept in the British Museum.

The Roman site occupied about six acres (2.4 hectares) and was the home base for around 500 cavalry.

No wonder there are the remains of huge granaries.

The parade ground site is now occupied by the children's playground.

Between the main street and the river is a fine example of a Roman bathhouse.

Many local buildings are constructed from stones "quarried" from the Roman fort, including the magnificent parish church of St Wilfrid.

This was built in the 13th century and was dedicated to the Archbishop of York who was in his prime during the mid seventh century.

At the back of the church interior is a 1736 gallery supported by what are said to be two Roman pillars.

There is also a stone font which is thought to be Anglo-Saxon, suggesting that there was an even earlier church on the site.

The pillars supporting the porch of the White Bull hotel, built in 1707, are thought to have come from the Roman temple of Minerva.

Other Roman pillars can be seen in the Alms Houses at nearby Stydd.

These were built by the Shereburne (or Shireburn) family of Stonyhurst in 1728 and are still in use today.

Also at Stydd is the chapel of St Saviour which dates from the 12th century by the Knights Hospitaliers.

As their name implies the Knights were skilled nurses and some of the plants they used are still found in local hedgerows.

Included are woundwort, liverwort, spleenwort and stitchwort with wort meaning a plant.

On the north wall of St Wilfrid's Church is a hole called a Hagioscope also known as a Leper's Squint.

This allowed "infected" people to watch the services without contaminating the rest of the congregation.

Look in the churchyard for the 18th century sundial.

The inscription reads "I am a shadow. So art thou. I mark time. Dost thou?".

Ribchester seems to have flirted with the Industrial Revolution rather than allowing itself to be swamped by huge mills.

By the middle of the 18th century handlooming, weaving and flax production were important.

Walk slowly along Church Street and view some of the weavers' cottages which are now very desirable residences.

Situated opposite the De Tabley Arms near Ribchester Bridge and missed by all motorists and most walkers is New Hall.

This is privately owned but easily seen from the road.

Despite its name, New Hall is actually old and was built in 1665 as a dower house for the Talbot family.

The name was given to distinguish it from their main house, which was the nearby Samlesbury Old Hall.

These days many people are interested in tracing their family history.

The old name for Ribchester was Bremetannacum Veteranorum.

At the end of service the veterans from Spain and Hungary were granted land and allowed to take local wives and settle down.

Could "Roman" blood still flow in the veins of local folk?

Recent evidence suggests that Ribchester had a history long before the Romans came.

Near the car park a number of burial urns have ben found which date to the Bronze Age some 3,500 years ago.