Birdoswald Fort

Website http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/ConProperty.80

Classification Historic Building

DescriptionBirdoswald Fort is an ancient Roman fort towards the western end of Hadrian's Wall. As of 2005, it is the only site on Hadrian's Wall at which significant occupation in the post-Roman period has been proven, and it is subject to a long-term archaeological programme under the directorship of Tony Wilmott.

It is one of the best preserved of the 16 forts along Hadrian's Wall. The fort is situated in a commanding position on a triangular spur of land bounded by cliffs to the south and east overlooking a broad meander of the River Irthing in Cumbria. In Roman times, the fort was known as Banna (Latin for "spur" or tongue"), reflecting the geography of the site.

Birdoswald stands high above a bend in the River Irthing, in one of the most picturesque settings on Hadrian's Wall. A Roman fort, turret and milecastle can all be seen on this excellent stretch of the Wall. With probably the best-preserved defences of any Wall fort, this was an important base for some 1,000 Roman soldiers, succeeding an earlier fort of turf and timber.

The section of wall to the east, also of stone replacing turf, is the longest continuous stretch visible today. Archaeological discoveries over the past 150 years have revealed a great deal about Roman military life at Birdoswald. Three of the four main gateways of the fort have been unearthed, as have the outside walls, two granary buildings, workshops and a drill hall. People continued to live at Birdoswald after the Roman withdrawal.

In the 5th century a large timber hall was built over the collapsed Roman granaries, perhaps for a local British chieftain. Later, a medieval tower house was raised here, replaced in the 16th century by a fortified 'bastle' farmhouse designed to protect its inhabitants from the notorious 'Border Reivers'. Later still a more peaceful farmhouse stood here. The Birdoswald Visitor Centre provides a good introduction to Hadrian's Wall, and tells the intriguing story of Birdoswald and the people who have lived there over the past 2,000 years. There is a cosy tearoom at the site if you need refreshments, and a well-stocked shop for souvenirs.

Position

Photographs

The Address, , Cumbria, CA8 7DD

Phone01697 747602

DateAug 10, 2006

Contact NameEnglish Heritage

CategoryEngland > Cumbria

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