Hadrian's Wall
Described as the most important Roman monument constructed in Britain, Hadrian’s Wall stretched from coast to coast along the northernmost frontier of the Roman Empire. Hadrian’s Wall is more than just a stone wall, its a large defensive system with a number of elements and a complex history. Today much of the mid-section of the wall is still well preserved and can be followed on foot, by cycle or by car. This guide provides information to the various sites and museums along the route of the wall between Newcastle upon Tyne and Bowness-on-Solway.
Milecastle 38 Inscription: Under Hadrian’s Orders
Sculptures on Hadrian’s Wall
Benwell Roman Fort (Temple & Vallum)
Benwell Roman Fort was the second fort along Hadrian’s Wall. Very little of the site survives today. Two features of the fort have been preserved amongst the houses of the Benwell housing estate. One is a vallum crossing, which is the only surviving vallum crossing along Hadrian’s Wall. The second is a small, single apse temple that was in the vicus that lay beyond the fort, which was dedicated to Antenociticus. The head of a sculpture depicting Antenociticus is all that remains, now in the Great North Museum.
Birdoswald Roman Fort
Birdoswald Roman Fort, called Banna by the Romans, is one of the best preserved forts along Hadrian’s Wall. The relatively well excavated fort has the usual set of buildings, a central headquarters building, granaries and barracks, but the remains of an exercise building have also been uncovered. It is also here that the longest continuous surviving stretch of the wall itself can be visited. An onsite farmhouse-style B&B is available for anyone visiting Hadrian’s Wall wishing to overnight on this historic site.
