  Housesteads Roman Fort
Housesteads Roman Fort was one of 16 forts built along the length
of Hadrian's Wall, and survives today as the best preserved example in
Britain. Built cAD124 it occupies an isolated but dramatic position along
a craggy precipice and this, in conjunction with its state of completeness,
makes it one of the most visited sites along the wall.
Although altered over the centuries, Housesteads Roman Fort has retained much of its
original plan. A fairly steep winding path leads to the remains of a civilian
settlement that typically grew up around most Roman forts. Also located
at this point is a small museum displaying artefacts that have been recovered
from the site. Entry to Housesteads Roman Fort itself is through the original south gate
and along the 'via principlais', the main thoroughfare of the fort. Generally
all the key buildings would have been found along this road, and Housesteads
is no exception. Immediately to the left is a typical four wing courtyard
house that was formerly occupied by the fort Commandant. Originally consisting
of only the north and west ranges, the subsequent wings were added in third
century. Adjacent to this building is the headquarters building, again
in its 3rd century form, comprising of a crossed hall, courtyard and
several administrative offices. Directly behind this building to the west
is a hospital, the only example of its kind in Britain. This building also
consists of four wings around a central courtyard, the 'operating theatre'
occupying the north range.
Further along the street towards the north gate is a pair of Granaries.
This would have been a single structure during the Hadrianic period, but
was later partitioned down the centre to provide two separate stores. The
flagstone floors are now missing, but this allows the opportunity of seeing
the pillars that once supported them, and which provided the much needed
ventilation to ensure the grain remained dry. Across the street from the
Granaries are the remains of three further buildings. Nearest the north
gate are the only two barracks blocks on the site that are currently visible,
and the third building is believed to have been a storage facility of some
description.
At one time there would have been ten barrack blocks on the
site, each comprising a long rectangular room partitioned into ten units,
each unit being occupied by eight men. Five of the barrack blocks remain
covered under the large expanse of grass to the west, and the other three
lie under the grassed area to the east opposite the Commandants House and
Headquarters building. The two that are exposed represent a fairly complex
building history. The original Hadrianic barracks, despite being modified
in the 2nd and 3rd centuries, were eventually demolished during the
4th century with the exception of their south walls. New individual
dwellings, commonly referred to as 'chalets', replaced the military buildings.
This change of emphasis to a more 'civilian' style family dwelling demonstrates
the scaling down of the frontier garrisons at that time.
To the left of the north gate can be found the remains of turret 36b,
which became obsolete when the decision was made to move the fortifications
up to the Wall itself. By following the perimeter wall to the east, one
of the best preserved latrines of its kind in the country can be found
in the south-eastern corner of Housesteads Roman Fort. Although it admirably demonstrates
the hygienic nature of Roman life, it is apparent that such ablutions were
conducted in a very public manner.
Little is known of the occupation of Housesteads after the Romans had
departed, but its isolated position and infertile land probably lead to
its abandonment. This area, latterly referred to as 'the Middle March',
became a no mans land between the kingdoms of England and Scotland, and
was largely frequented by thieves and marauders. |
