Reasons for Designation
Roman camps are rectangular or sub-rectangular enclosures which were constructed and used by Roman soldiers either when out on campaign or as practice camps. Most campaign camps were only temporary overnight bases and few were used for longer periods. They were bounded by a single earthen rampart and outer ditch and in plan are always straight-sided with rounded corners. Normally they have between one and four entrances, although as many as eleven have been recorded. Such entrances were usually centrally placed in the sides of the camp and were often protected by additional defensive outworks. Roman camps are found throughout much of England, although most known examples lie in the midlands and north. Around 140 examples have been identified and, as one of the various types of defensive enclosure built by the Roman Army, particularly in hostile upland and frontier areas, they provide an important insight into Roman military strategy and organisation. Despite past cultivation the Roman camp 405m west of The Bungalow survives comparatively well and will contain archaeological and environmental evidence relating to its construction, longevity, military and strategic significance, possible adaptive re-use and overall landscape context.
Details
The monument includes a Roman camp, situated on the upper north-facing slopes of the prominent Lansdown Hill. The camp survives as a rectangular enclosure measuring approximately 100m long by 55m wide internally. It is defined by a stony bank standing up to 1m high and a buried outer ditch on all except the north western side and has an entrance on the middle of the south eastern side. Further archaeological remains survive in the immediate vicinity, some of which are scheduled separately.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
BA 21
Legacy System:
RSM - OCN
End of official list entry
