Below is a detailed article about Roman forts and churches in Britain. Over the 400 years of Roman rule in Britain, the Romans constructed a number of forts, bridges, roads, churches and ecclesiastical buildings in Britain for many reasons. Let us see some of these marvelous constructions below.
Roman Forts in Britain
Contents
Vindolanda
Vindolanda is a Roman auxiliary fort in the vicinity of Hadrians Wall in Northumberland. The fort was under Roman possession since 85 AD to 370 AD. The fort went through reconstruction in the year 300 CE. The fort was a protection to the Roman highway – Stangate. It went through many developments and constructions until its total abandonment in 370 AD.
Richborough Roman Fort
Richborough is a Roman fort in the marshes of East Kent. It is one of the most significant Roman sites in Britain from the Roman era. It was known as Rutupiae – Gateway to Britain. The ditches dug by the legions of Emperor Claudius are seen at the areas around the fort. It was here that the Romans invaded England in 43 AD, Claudius was heading the expedition.
Hardknott Roman Fort
Hardknott Roman Fort is found in the English county of Cumbria. It was called ‘Mediobogdum’ by the Romans. The fort was built as a protection to the Hardknott Pass. It is located on the western side of the pass. The fort was abandoned between 120 to 200 AD and was recaptured in the year 300 AD.
In an excavation in 1965, some leather items from the Roman era were found in this site. They were soldiers jerkin and some shoes worn by soldiers. Today it is owned by the National Trust and is maintained by the English Heritage.
Arbeia
Arbeia – the fort of the Arab troops is located in the South Shields, Tyne, England. The fort was partially reconstructed, remains of which are seen today. This fort guarded the main sea route from Hadrians Wall. Today, it is an archaeological site with an attached museum that contains artifacts of the Cautevellauni tribe.
It was a huge supply point for the Roman Army. The Northumbrian King Oswin was born in this fort.
Segontium
The Roman fort of Segontium is located in Gwynedd, North Wales. It was a famous military base and a significant administrative corner. The fort was built by Roman general Agricola in 77 and 78 AD. The fort was located on a height from the Menai Straits could be clearly seen.
A Roman temple and a burial site have been discovered around the fort.
Segedunum
The Roman fort of Segedunum is located in Tyne in England. The fort is near the end of Hadrian’s wall. It was in use for 300 years out of 400 years of Roman rule. It is determined by archaeologists that there must have been a huge Roman settlement around the fort, that is, toward the north of Hadrians Wall.
Isca Augusta
The Roman fort of Isca Augusta is located in New Port, Wales. It was the headquarters of the legions of Augustus. It is one of the earliest Roman sites of Great Britain. It is believed that it was surrounded by large monumental buildings around it. But the figures are now ruined.
Roman Churches
St Martins, Canterbury
One of the most beautiful and oldest churches in Britain is St Martins, Canterbury. Roman brickwork is seen on the walls of this authentic church. It is still used for its original purpose, that is, a chapel. Many Roman tombs have been excavated in the vicinity of the church. Queen Bertha of Kent went here to pray and was known as her chapel. The church is in use since 597 AD.
All Saints Church, Brixworth
All Saints Church in Brixworth, Northamptonshire is a remarkable example of Romanesque architecture. The church has been reconstructed ever since. However, Roman brickwork and interiors are seen. There is also a high influence of Anglo Saxon in the church. Sexwulf – an anglo Saxon bishop who built a monastery which the church was a part of.
The church was reconstructed in the Victorian era.
Escomb Saxon Church
Even though the Escomb Saxon Church was built in the Anglo Saxon era, it has a number of Roman features that resemble the Roman fort in its vicinity – Binchester (Vinovia). Escomb Saxon Church is located in Durham county. The church was originally a Roman Catholic Church but later absorbed into the Church of England.
Many of the walls show Roman tooling.