Housesteads Roman Fort

Website http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/ConProperty.77

Classification Historic Building

DescriptionThe fort was built in stone soon after the construction of the Wall began in AD 122, overlying the original Broad Wall foundation and Turret 36b. The fort and was repaired and rebuilt several times, its northern defences being particularly prone to collapse. A substantial civil settlement (vicus) existed to the south, outside the fort, and some of the stone foundations can still be seen, including "Murder House", where two skeletons were found beneath an apparently newly-laid floor when excavated.

The fort's layout is unorthodox, in that its long axis is arranged parallel with Hadrian's Wall (which forms its northern defensive wall), due to the lie of the land. It is also unusual for Britain in that it has no running water supply and is dependent upon rainwater collection (for which purpose there is a series of large stone-lined tanks around the periphery of the defences). It is also famous for having one of the best-preserved stone latrines in Roman Britain.

The site is now owned by the National Trust and is currently in the care of English Heritage. Finds from Housesteads can be seen in the site museum, in the museum at Chesters, and in the Museum of Antiquities in Newcastle upon Tyne.

Housesteads is the most complete example of a Roman fort in Britain, and now the most popular site on the Wall. It stands high on the exposed Whin Sill escarpment, commanding breathtaking views. Like Chesters, it was one of 12 permanent forts added to his new frontier by Hadrian in about AD 124. Known as 'Vercovicium' ('the place of effective fighters'), it was garrisoned by a cohort of around 800 infantry (for most of its history Tungrians from Belgium), later reinforced by Germanic cavalry.

Entry is through a small museum, displaying a complete model of how Housesteads once appeared. Excavations at the fort have revealed four double-portal gateways, the turreted curtain wall, three barrack blocks and of course the famous and well-preserved latrines. At the centre are the most important buildings: the commandant's house, head-quarters building and hospital. The fort lies uphill from the car park (a ten minute walk).

Position

Photographs

The Address, , Bardon Mill, NE47 6NN

Phone01434 344363

DateAug 10, 2006

Contact NameEnglish Heritage

CategoryEngland > Northumberland
England > Northumberland > Attractions in Hexham

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