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.
All well-preserved examples are identified as being of national importance.
Details
The monument includes the whole of one Roman temporary camp and the northern
sections of two adjacent camps, located on a river terrace near the south
bank of the Tyne near Farnley Grange. This group of sites lies 2km south east
of the Roman fort at Corbridge.
None of the camps survive as upstanding earthworks but they are clearly
visible on aerial photographs; these have allowed their position and extent
to be confirmed.
Camp 1, the smallest and most westerly in the group, measures about 75m
across and has a main north-south axis. Approximately half of the camp has
been identified. However, its southern extent is obscured by the modern road
(A695) and Farnley Grange.
The central camp, 2, is about 100m across and also has a main north-south
axis. About two thirds of its interior has been identified, but again its
southern extent has been obscured.
The largest of the camps, 3, lies to the east of camps 1 and 2 and its full
extent has been identified. It measures about 160m WSW to ENE by 120m. Unlike
the two adjacent sites, its main axis lies east-west. Breaks in the enclosing
defences visible on the aerial photographs are identified as gateways.
The three camps lie very close to Dere Street, the principal Roman road
between York and Scotland. The differing orientations of the camps reflect
their subtle placing to exploit minor topographical features.
The field boundaries which encroach onto the temporary camps are excluded from
the scheduling, although the ground beneath the boundaries is included.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
26000
Legacy System:
RSM
Sources
Books and journals
Legal
This monument is scheduled under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979 as amended as it appears to the Secretary of State to be of national importance. This entry is a copy, the original is held by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
End of official list entry
