Roman fortlet, 200m SSE of Castrigg

Reasons for Designation

Roman fortlets are small rectangular enclosures with rounded corners defined by a fortified rampart of turf and earth with one or more outer ditches. The ramparts were originally revetted at the front and rear by timber uprights in shallow trenches and were almost certainly crowned with timber wall walks and parapets. Fortlets were constructed from the first century AD to at least the later fourth century AD to provide accommodation for a small detachment of troops generally deployed on a temporary basis of between one to two years and supplied by a fort in the same area. The function of fortlets varies from place to place; some were positioned to guard river crossings or roads, particularly at vulnerable points such as crossroads, whilst others acted as supply bases for signal towers. Roman fortlets are rare nationally with approximately 50 examples known in Britain, half of which are located in Scotland. As such, and as one of a small group of Roman military monuments which are important in representing army strategy and therefore government policy, fortlets are of particular significance to our understanding of the period and all surviving examples are considered nationally important. The Roman fortlet 200m SSE of Castrigg is preserved as a cropmark and in places as a slight earthwork. The monument will contain archaeological deposits relating to its construction, use and abandonment. The monument is representative of its period and provides insight into the Roman military occupation of England.

Details

The monument includes the remains of a Roman fortlet situated on a slight rise adjacent to the northern side of the course of the former Roman road from Scotch Corner to Brougham. The fortlet includes a sub-square enclosure, preserved as a cropmark and in places as a very slight earthwork. The enclosure covers an area of approximately 0.5ha. and is surrounded by an intermittent double ditch. In the north east corner of the interior is a double ring ditch which is interpreted as the remains of a Roman signal station.

SOURCES PastScape Monument No:- 13605 NMR:- NY62SE4 Cumbria HER:- 1653

Legacy

The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.

Legacy System number:

CU 265

Legacy System:

RSM - OCN

End of official list entry

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