Whitley Castle, Tynedale, Northumberland: An Archaeological Investigation of the Roman Fort
Author(s): Stewart Ainsworth, David Went
This report concludes a detailed earthwork and geophysical survey a unique, lozenge-shaped fort situated on a prominent knoll overlooking the South Tyne Valley. This isolated fort, perhaps the Epiacum of Ptolemy’s Geography, stands on the Maiden Way about half-way between Magna on the Wall and Bravoniacum beyond Stainmore. It is notable for an extensive array of outer defences - four lines of bank and ditch to the north and east, and seven to the west - and for its exceptional state of preservation. The location was almost certainly chosen to control shipment of lead from the Alston ore-fields, while the curious shape reflects the adaptation of a standard plan to match the dimensions and advantages of the knoll. In a slanted fashion, it was able to accommodate six barracks to the rear and four to the front in a space of about 1.2ha, sufficient to house a mixed auxiliary cohort. Extra-mural settlement has been recorded north and west of the fort, and suggestions have been made concerning the locations of a parade ground and of a temple evident from discoveries of altars and statuary. The fort was encompassed by improved pasture in the medieval period and subsequently attracted a cluster of post-medieval bastles and farmsteads.
- Report Number:
- 89/2009
- Series:
- Research Department Reports
- Pages:
- 134
- Keywords:
- Earth Resistance Geophysical Survey Magnetometer Medieval Post Medieval Roman Survey Fortification
