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.
Details
The monument includes a double ditched enclosure to the north of the village
of Ince identified as a Roman fortlet. The enclosure was first discovered by
aerial photographs in 1994 and subsequent excavation has confirmed its form
and established a date in the Roman period.
The enclosure has two rock-cut ditches surrounding the site. These enclose an
area of 0.48ha. Excavation has established that there are postholes for
wooden buildings on the site, and that these buildings were in occupation
during the time of the occupation of the Roman fortress at Chester. The area
enclosed is rectangular with well rounded corners. The interior measures 80m
by 60m, the ditches being 9m apart.
The site commands a wide view of the estuary of the Mersey, being on a
promontory overlooking the former channel of the river which used to flow
beneath the cliffs.
The fortlet is comparative with that near Castleshaw in Greater Manchester.
Its function seems to have been the observation of sea traffic in the estuary.
Buildings shown on the 1:10000 map to overlie the monument no longer exist.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
27589
Legacy System:
RSM
Sources
Books and journals Other
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
