Introduction to Hadrian’s Wall

Hadrian’s Wall has been designated a World Heritage site. It is located in northern England and does not now nor never has formed the boundary between England and Scotland. The Wall was built to consolidate the northern frontier of the Roman Empire and followed the line of a pre-existing ‘open’ frontier.

During the Roman period their chief adversaries to the north (now Scotland) were indigenous peoples called the Picts (or painted people) who were formed into a loose confederation of tribes including such as the Votadini and Caledonii.

More information on Hadrian’s Wall

The Wall was built during the period AD122- 138 and originally extended for 80 Roman miles (74 British miles) in a line from/to the modern English towns of Maryport and Wallsend. The Emperor Hadrian was unusual in that he consolidated the Empire, no doubt driven by the military and economic imperatives of managing an ever expanding empire in context of hostile tribes to the north of the Wall. Here are some key statistics and information:

• The Wall stretched for 74 miles and was 15 feet high and 10 feet wide.
• Building commenced around AD 122-125.
• It was (and remains) a magnificent feat of engineering comprising 18 million specially prepared blocks of stone, most of which was sourced locally.
• A fort was built at seven mile intervals. There were 17 major forts of which Housesteads is a famous example. Such forts held about 400 people.
• Castles (fortlets) were built at 1 mile intervals, but not always in a logical place relative to the local terrain. Clearly, there was rigid adherence to the design.
• It is estimated that 10,000 soldiers were assigned to constructing the Wall with each Century (80 men) allocated a specific portion to construct.
• The Wall was constructed by the 2nd, 6th and 20th legions aided by auxiliaries. It acted as an imposing frontier for about 300 years (subject to a break AD142-AD162 when the frontier was moved about 100 miles north to the Antonine Wall in what is now Scotland.)

Here are the key sites along the line of Hadrian’s Wall (from West to East)

Maryport (Aluana)

This fort protected the Western end of Hadrian’s Wall. It was probably built for military units from Dalmatia and the lower Rhineland. The Maryport fort was one of the largest on the frontier and extended to 2.3 hectares. There is a museum close to the site of the fort.

Birdoswald (Banna)

A very significant site located atop an escarpment overlooking the River Irthing. Originally built of turf and timber before reconstruction with stone. Evidence suggests a very long period of occupation through to the fifth century and possibly later. The site benefits from an excellent visitor centre and museum. 

Roman Army Museum

Located next to the fort of Carvoran. A popular visitor attraction.

Chesterholm (Vindolanda)

An extensive and fascinating site which lies just south of the line of Wall and pre-dates the Wall with occupation dating back to AD 85. A very extensive military and civilian site with excellent visitor facilities and on-going excavations. This site is famous for the Vindolanda Tablets, which collectively rank as one of Britain’s top historic treasures. These record routine Roman correspondence on slivers of wood preserved in anaerobic conditions.

Housesteads (Vercovicium)

Probably the best known and iconic site on Hadrian’s Wall. Located high on a ridge and integrated in a line of the Wall which remains reasonably well preserved. An extensive and well preserved site including granaries, headquarters, barracks and latrine. There is a small museum on site. Access via a gentle, uphill walk.

Carrawburgh (Brocolita)

This fort is on private land but there is public access to the nearby temple to the god, Mithras. The actual fort was a subsequent addition to the Wall whilst the mithraeum may date from around AD 200.

Chesters (Cilurnum) Fort

A well preserved fort which lies in the valley of the North Tyne River. The on-site museum contains finds from Chesters and other forts on the Wall.

Corbridge (Coria) Roman Town

Established around AD 80 and thus pre-dates the Wall. The civilian town once extended to 12 hectares. Remains include a fountain, granaries and temples. On site is a well-stocked museum featuring sculptures and inscriptions found locally.

Heddon-on-the-Wall

At this location can be viewed a long stretch of preserved Wall with a width of 10 Roman feet (2.9M).

Wallsend (Segedunum)

This Roman fort was located at the eastern end of Hadrian’s Wall. The site has been reconstructed and includes a museum and visitor centre. The Roman site includes HQ building, granary, hospital, barracks and bath-house.

South Shields (Arbeia)

Probably dates from late 2nd century AD.Originally a fort but later extended to a 22 granary supply base. The very well presented visitor site now includes replica barracks and a replica courtyard house.

Visiting Hadrian’s Wall

Options include:

• A focused, within-the-day, trip by car with emphasis on Vindolanda, Housesteads and Birdoswald all of which are in close proximity to each other.
• A lengthier visit, over 2-3 days, depending on objectives.
• A hike along all or part of the Wall over, possibly, 7-10 days. Specialist companies can supply a package comprising of route, lodgings and baggage transfer.
• Public transport: There is a rail service from Newcastle to Carlisle along the ‘Tyne Valley’ line with strategic stops at Corbridge, Hexham and Haltwhistle, which connects with the AD122 Hadrian’s Wall Bus service.
• A private, customised tour.

For more information refer Visitors Guide to Scotland, ISBN 978-1-9161332-0-4