Vindolanda Roman Fort

Similar to Chesters Fort and nearby Housesteads, Vindolanda Roman Fort (sometimes referred to as Chesterholm) is a typical Roman Fort associated with Hadrian's Wall. It is particularly interesting as many years of excavation have uncovered a large percentage of the civilian settlement (or Vicus), which grew up around such forts servicing the needs of the garrison. The excavations at Vindolanda now constitute the best example in the country.

The main features of the site include a well preserved bath house, constructed along with the majority of the buildings cAD160. Many of the underfloor hypercaust piers are still in situ, and a drain leading from a water tank and well passes under the Bath House floor, flushing a latrine that can be seen further down. Just to the south of the Bath House is a large dwelling that appears to have divided in two at a later date. A clearly defined central street can be seen that effectively separates the town in two. This leads to the west gate of Vindolanda Roman Fort beyond.

On the southern side of the main street are the foundations of various other buildings, but only one of these is easily identifiable to archaeologists as the Mansio (or Guesthouse), used by wealthy travellers and dignitaries. This also had a small bath suite and latrines which can be identified, along with the hearth in what was probably the kitchen. Although the other buildings are quite clearly defined much speculation still exists as to their original use.

Moving down the main street the visitor arrives at the west gate of the Vindolanda Roman Fort. This is the last of several forts believed to have been erected in this area, and the second to have been built on this site. The first iterations of the fort were built further west, but no visible remains of these earlier constructions can be evidenced. The current site represents that of the last two forts to be built at Vindolanda. Originally constructed at the time of Hadrian, and subsequently repaired cAD163, the second fort represents a major rebuilding of the first fort in about AD224. The walls of Vindolanda Roman Fort remain standing to a considerable height in places, and both the west and north gates can clearly be seen. Inside the fort itself can be found the remains of the 3rd century Headquarters building, which has survived remarkably well. Other buildings traditionally associated with this type of military outpost, such as Granaries, Barrack Blocks and workshops, remain hidden.

Vindolanda is an extensive and interesting place to uncover some of our Roman history. Not only does the site boast some impressive remains, but it also has a reconstruction of a stone turret, a timber milecastle and a stretch of turf wall that provides a real insight into the engineering prowess of the Roman army. Further down the valley, a little to the east of Vindolanda Roman Fort, is the site museum containing some fascinating artefacts that have been beautifully preserved in the wet peaty soil of the area.