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Housesteads
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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). |
Because of
its position on the Whin Sill ridge, Housesteads (ancient Vercovicium) is one
of the better-preserved forts on the Wall. It was located by a major gap in
the ridge, the Knag Burn, which provided a reliable source of water. Vindolanda,
which it presumably replaced, is only some 3 kilometres away. The site is an
awkward one with high ground to the west and a pronounced slope to the south.
The Wall runs along the edge of the ridge and there was no room to build the
fort astride it. Instead, the Romans attach the fort to the south face so that
only one of its gates opened to the north.
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Among the advantages of the location was the fact that there was a more than adequate supply of building materials within a few kilometres of the site-sandstone for the blocks and limestone for mortar. The remains of a number of old quarries and Roman lime kilns have been found in the immediate vicinity of the fort. Housesteads has evocative
remains of the Roman Empire's most northerly defences and a high ridge-walk
with vast panoramic views. You can explore Roman barracks and some of
the earliest-known flushing toilets. Housestead's Fort is the best preserved
of 13 outposts along the wall |
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Hadrian's wall was intended to help subdue tribes in the north of Britain by controlling the movement of people in the region, to deter any raids into Roman territory, and to act as a visible symbol of the power of Rome. You might enjoy taking this virtual tour of Housesteads provided by the BBC.
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This site is generally open 8.30am until sunset but this can change depending on the weather. Closed 1 January, 24 to 26 December Tel 01434 344363 Housesteads is the most popular of the many sites along Hadrian’s Wall, being the most complete example of a Roman fort to be found in Britain. It was one of 12 such forts to be built by Emperor Hadrian to defend the wall. Remains of the barracks, granaries and the fort hospital can be seen along with the civilian settlements that clustered outside the gates. A good section of the wall itself stands nearby and the adjacent museum displays pottery, stones, sculptures and other finds, some of them, such as a small child’s shoe are very touching. The information centre provides an activity book for children to enable them to enjoy their visit to the full. |