| Summary : The site of a Roman campaign fort excavated in 1934-6, 1954 and during the 1960s and 1990s. These investigations have identified four main phases of Roman activity on the site. The earliest fort was constructed circa AD 40 and was defended by double ditches and a rampart. Within these defences, the structures uncovered include a pair of barrack blocks, part of a granary and a workshop and store. The second phase involved the addition of ditched annexes on the northern and eastern sides of the fort and the clearance of the interior buildings, which were replaced by temporary timber framed structures. It is thought the fort served as a stores depot during this phase. Following a period of abandonment a smaller fort was constructed within the earlier defences. This fort was enclosed within a ditch and rampart and its interior buildings included a small granary and a cookhouse. The fort was abandoned again circa AD 75 but evidence suggests sporadic occupation continuing until about AD 120. Excavations undertaken between 1999-2001 have identifed a vicus to the west of the fort. The remains include timber framed buildings, hearths, ovens and trackways. Fieldwalking, test pits and excavation have also revealed three Bronze Age burnt mounds and road surfaces within the fort. |
More information : [SP 04308365] Roman Forts [GSC] (Sites of) (1)
Two first century campaign forts excavated in 1934 & 1954. The
north-west corner of the larger fort (at SP 04138376) was
reconstructed and a timber turret erected in 1949.
The larger and earlier fort occupied c.14 1/2 acres and was
defended by a double ditch and bank. The smaller work, which lay
completely within the larger, enclosed c.6 1/4 acres and had a
single bank and ditch beneath which were found remains of timber
buildings belonging to the early fort.
Pottery evidence indicates that both forts belong to the earliest
years of the Roman occupation. the length of tenure is suggested
as being not much longer than a few seasons as the upper limit.
'A few weeks' might suffice for the amount of broken pottery
accumulated.
Dr. St.Joseph suggests that the large fort held a force of
perhaps half legionary strength - possibly taking part in the
northern advance c.AD 64-60. The smaller fort shows that the
site was again thought suitable for military occupation at a later
stage - possibly of double cohort strength. The general
uniformity of pottery suggests that it was not long subsequent,
perhaps at the most within 20 years. (2-3)
Published survey of reconstruction defences (1/1250, 1958)
revised.
It is impossible to detect any original engineering. The remains
are fenced for protection but vandalism is evidence. See
photograph. (4)
Excavations completed in 1969 established the following probable
chronological history of the fort:
1. The original fort on the site was 10 1/2 acres with a double
ditch and rampart. Large Claudian timber structures were
associated with this phase.
2. During the second phase the original fort was extended by the
addition of a 4 acre annexe to the north.
3. The final phase saw the abandonment and back-filling of the
earlier defences and the construction of a 6 1/4 acre fort inside
the Claudian fort in the late 1st century. The fort was bounded
by a single ditch and rampart. Smaller regular buildings belonged
to this period.
Final conclusions can be summarised as follows:
1. There were three major phases to the defences and at least
three separate phases of interior timber buildings; occupation
appears to extend from the mid-40's AD to circa 120-130 AD.
2. The timber buildings at Metchley do not conform to the normal
pattern found on this type of site, possibly because of the
extremely marshy nature of the ground and possibly because troops
of a mixed nature were garrisoned here.
3. The continued Roman military presence at Metchley and at other
Midland forts now indicates a protracted and unsettled period of
occupation in the Midlands.
4. There was no occupation on the site before the Roman
occupation or later. (5)
The site is largely developed with hospital buildings and
associated roads and a roundabout, and a railway line and canal
cut across the south east quadrant.
The reconstructed defences, in the north west quadrant which is
largely wasteland awaiting development, have been reduced in
area by the construction of a new hospital block, and by a
footpath to it.
MSD (1:1250 scale) correct. (6)
Noted as having been short-lived in its stategic importance, and as a site where no certain civil settlement has been located. (7)
Note on excavation. A trench dug at right-angles to the defences (SP 943 836) located a road running N-S and cut by wheel-ruts; a series of post holes cut into the gravel suggests encroachment by timber-framed buildings, but no dating evidence was found. (8)
Fieldwalking, test pits and excavation (1988) revealed three burnt mounds and road surfaces within the Roman fort. (9)
The site of a Roman campaign fort excavated in 1934-6, 1954 and during the 1960s and 1990s. These investigations have identified four main phases of Roman activity on the site. The earliest fort was constructed circa AD 40 and was defended by double ditches and a rampart. Within these defences, the structures uncovered include a pair of barrack blocks, part of a granary and a workshop and store. The second phase involved the addition of ditched annexes on the northern and eastern sides of the fort and the clearance of the interior buildings, which were replaced by temporary timber framed structures. It is thought the fort served as a stores depot during this phase. Following a period of abandonment a smaller fort was constructed within the earlier defences. This fort was enclosed within a ditch and rampart and its interior buildings included a small granary and a cookhouse. The fort was abandoned again circa AD 75 but evidence suggests sporadic occupation continuing until about AD 120. Excavations undertaken between 1999-2001 have identifed a vicus to the west of the fort. The remains include timber framed buildings, hearths, ovens and trackways. Fieldwalking, test pits and excavation have also revealed three Bronze Age burnt mounds and road surfaces within the fort. Scheduled . (10) |