Housesteads Roman Fort (Hadrian's Wall)
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Housesteads is the most complete example of a Roman fort in Britain, and one of the most popular sites on the Wall. It stands high on the exposed Whin Sill escarpment, commanding breathtaking views. Like Chesters, it was one of 12 permanent forts added to the new frontier by Hadrian in about AD 124. Known as ‘Vercovicium’ (‘the place of effective fighters’ or ‘hilly place’), it was garrisoned by a cohort of around 800 infantry (for most of its history Tungrians from Belgium), later reinforced by Germanic cavalry. Entry is through a small museum, displaying a complete model of how Housesteads once appeared. Excavations at the fort have revealed four double-portal gateways, the turreted curtain wall, three visible barrack blocks and of course the famous and well-preserved latrines. At the centre are the most important buildings: the commandant’s house, headquarters building and hospital. The fort lies uphill from the car park (a ten-minute walk). Owned by The National Trust. | |||||||||||||||||||||