Hadrian’s Wall is a structure that stretches across the north of England. It was built to keep the Scots out during the reign of the Emperor Hadrian, around AD 122–30. It was originally conceived as a wall with simple look-out forts along it, but while being built, the plans were changed to incorporate more permanent features and settlements.
There is a significant portion of the wall left today and a visit to Northumberland in the UK yields the chance to visit several of the forts. Members of English Heritage or National Trust may go free to some of the forts, but the cost is not much considering the experience.
Housesteads
The most dramatic of the forts is Housesteads. The fort can be reached by taking the Military Road (B6318) in Northumberland, which follows the wall on its route. Stones were taken from the Wall to use as foundations for the road. The car park (signposted) is in the valley below, and a well-kept rough track winds its way up the hill to the fort which has a magnificent view. There is a National Trust shop and coffee shop at the bottom of the hill, and a museum by the site itself where you pay to gain access. The museum includes some of the finds from the Roman sites along the remaining parts and information on how the fort might have looked, including a three dimensional model.
Features of the Fort
A small track leads upwards from the museum to the entrance and the height of the walls, which are now ruined, indicates how tall the structure must have been. Some of the rooms had under floor heating, which is a feature of Roman houses and Roman baths in particular. The evidence of these is left in the form of small columns of tiles on which the floor would have been built. Signs on the site describe what the various rooms were and try to give a true picture of how the fort would have looked. There are the remains of a commander’s house, a hospital, barracks where the soldiers stayed and latrines which are particularly well preserved.
Hadrian’s Wall runs along the back of the fort and continues on in either direction to lines of trees. It is possible to walk along the Wall, but it is uneven and only for the sure-footed. The drop to the other side is high enough to make attack difficult from the Scots side.
Evidence of Roman Times
Evidence from Roman times found along the wall include coins, gravestones, clothing, tools and inscribed stones to Roman gods. The wall has completely disappeared in parts, due to the stones being removed and used in other buildings. Early excavations by its Victorian owners have made it difficult for modern archaeology because there is very little documentation of what they found. The finds have been displayed in the museums that accompany the forts and also in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne.
Other forts to visit along Hadrian’s Wall include Chesters and Birdoswald. The opportunities to walk among the ruins are exceptional.
If you happen to be visiting Northumberland, then do visit a fascinating piece of Roman times which has plenty to offer in interest and enjoyment as well as exercise. The forts of Hadrian’s Wall are well worth it.
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