Longovicium

Longovicium, the Roman fort at Lanchester (one of the next villages to mine), was built in 140AD as a supply fort on Dere Street, supplying the Scottish campaigns. It remained in service until the Romans withdrew from Britain in 410AD.

There is little to see there now except these earthworks and remains of the outer wall, and little can be seen of these as sadly it is on private land with no public access. There have never been any comprehensive archaeological excavations, but geophysical surveys have revealed the usual barracks, granaries, etc.. Pictured here is one of the corners of the square compound, which would probably have been the site of a watchtower.

Few people know of the existence of these remains, even in the village of Lanchester itself. I went up there this afternoon in the cold, grey mist, and it really brought home to me what a difficult life it must have been there. I was also struck by the contrast between the archaeological remains and the wind turbines that you can just see through the mist on the horizon.