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Whitley Castle, Northumberland: An Analytical Survey of the Fort and its Setting

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 June 2013

David Went  and
Stewart Ainsworth
David Went
Affiliation:
English Heritage, York [email protected]
Stewart Ainsworth
Affiliation:
University of Chester [email protected]
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Abstract

Analytical earthwork and geophysical surveys have advanced our understanding of the lozenge-shaped Roman fort at Whitley Castle (Northumberland), which is notable for the exceptional depth of its outer defences. Built at a higher altitude than any other fort in England, it was almost certainly positioned to control the production and shipment of lead and silver from the Alston ore-fields. Its curious shape, tailored to that of the natural knoll, necessitated some adjustment of a standard fort plan, but accommodated six buildings to the rear of the central range and four to the front. An extramural settlement and terraced fields have been recorded to the west and north, and a swathe of ground to the south may have provided space for a parade ground. Post-Roman activity is evident from the cultivation and settlement remains that override the defences; two bastle-like buildings and an eighteenth-century farmhouse once stood within the fort itself.

Keywords

Whitley Castleearthwork surveygeophysical surveyRoman armyfortMaiden Wayextramural settlementAlstonlead/silver miningbastle
Type
Articles
Information
Britannia , Volume 44 , November 2013 , pp. 93 - 143
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s) 2013. Published by The Society for the Promotion of Roman Studies 

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Footnotes

This paper is published with the aid of a grant from English Heritage

References

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