More information : Several Roman altars and carved stones were dredged
from the north channel of the River Tyne on the site of the Roman
bridge (at NZ 252637 - see NZ 26 SE 20)
(1) An altar bearing a carved trident and dolphin with an inscription
'To Neptune, the 6th Legion Victorious, Pious and Faithful' found
1903. In Museum of Ants, Newcastle Acc. 1903.6.
(2) An altar bearing a carved anchor with an inscription 'To
Oceanus, the 6th Legion Victorious, Pious and Faithful' found 1875.
In Museum of Ants, Newcastle Acc. 1884.11.
(3) An inscribed dedication slab to Emperor Antoninus Pius (138-161
AD) found in 1903. In Black Gate Museum (now Museum of Ants
Newcastle) (circa 1930).
(4) A carved relief of a draped female standing beneath an arch
supported by columns, found 1884. In Black Gate Museum (circa 1930).
Lewis suggested that the altars and stones pointed to a wooden chapel
(or shrine) on the bridge, although no structure is known. (1-4)
River Tyne, Newcastle Upon Tyne.
The inscription, numbered 3 above (RIB 1322) has been the subject of some debate over its meaning and significance. This note by S S Frere discusses the possible interpretation of the inscription. He concludes that the present inscription records vexillations of all three British Legions at Newcastle, and thinks its meaning may be linked to the two altars, numbered 1 and 2 above (RIB 1319 and 1320). (5)
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