Nestled along the course of Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland, Chesters Roman Fort stands as one of the best-preserved Roman cavalry forts in Britain. This remarkable site offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into life on the northern frontier of the Roman Empire nearly two millennia ago.
Chesters Roman Fort, known to the Romans as Cilurnum, was built around AD 124, shortly after the construction of Hadrian’s Wall began. The fort was strategically positioned to guard the point where the wall crossed the River North Tyne, a vital crossing point that needed robust defence.
The fort was home to a 500-strong cavalry regiment, the “ala II Asturum,” originally raised in northern Spain. These mounted troops were ideally suited for rapid response and patrol duties along the wall and into the lands beyond.
Chesters remained in use for about 300 years, until the end of Roman rule in Britain in the early 5th century. After the Romans left, the fort fell into ruin, with much of its stone repurposed for local buildings over the centuries.
Chesters Fort covers an area of about 5.5 acres (2.2 hectares) and follows the classic “playing card” shape typical of Roman forts. The site is divided into several key areas:
1. Headquarters Building (Principia): This was the administrative heart of the fort, housing offices, a strongroom for the regiment’s pay chest, and a shrine where the unit’s standards were kept.
2. Commanding Officer’s House (Praetorium): A luxurious residence befitting the fort’s commander, complete with its own bath suite.
3. Granaries: Two large buildings used to store grain and other foodstuffs for the garrison.
4. Barracks: Long, narrow buildings where the soldiers lived in small rooms called contubernia.
5. Bath House: Located outside the fort’s walls near the river, this is one of the best-preserved Roman bath houses in Britain.
What sets Chesters apart from many other Roman sites is the exceptional preservation of its structures, particularly the bath house. Visitors can clearly see the various rooms of the bathhouse, including the changing room (apodyterium), warm room (tepidarium), hot room (caldarium), and cold plunge bath (frigidarium).
Another notable feature is the visible remains of the hypocaust system – an underfloor heating system that kept the baths warm. The pillars that supported the raised floor are still visible, offering a clear illustration of Roman engineering prowess.
The fort’s position on the River North Tyne is also significant. The remains of a bridge abutment can still be seen, marking where the Roman bridge once carried Hadrian’s Wall across the river.
The on-site museum, housed in a Victorian building, displays a remarkable collection of artifacts found at Chesters and other sites along Hadrian’s Wall. These include altars, sculptures, jewelry, and everyday items used by the fort’s inhabitants. Of particular note is the collection of carved stone work, which is one of the best from any Roman site in Britain.
John Clayton and Preservation
The exceptional state of preservation at Chesters is largely thanks to John Clayton, a 19th-century lawyer and antiquarian. Clayton purchased Chesters and other nearby sites along Hadrian’s Wall to protect them from stone-robbing and to carry out archaeological excavations. His work laid the foundation for the site we see today.
Chesters Roman Fort provides a tangible link to Britain’s Roman past. Its well-preserved remains and informative museum make it an essential stop for anyone interested in Roman history or archaeology. It forms an integral part of any Hadrian’s Wall walk and a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience life on the edge of the Roman Empire.
We offer expert-crafted, self-guided walking holidays along the historic frontier of Roman Britain. As specialists in this iconic UNESCO World Heritage site, we provide meticulously planned itineraries that allow you to explore the wall’s rich history and stunning landscapes at your own pace.
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