| Summary : The Roman and medieval town at Carlisle. The name 'Luguvalium' applies to the Roman town of Carlisle, which was probably promoted to the status of city as the capital of the 'civitas Carvetiorum'. The Carvetii seem to have constituted a civitas in the 3rd century, with its centre at Carlisle. The first boundary for the town appears to have been a stockade and ditch, later replaced by walls. For the most part its course is followed by the later medieval walls.Excavations identified a series of what appear to be Roman military establishments. Other sites on the west side of the town have revealed intensive Roman civilian occupation with continuity into the Dark Ages. Numerous Roman burials have also been discovered, the main cemetery being on both sides of the London Road.Concentrations of finds indicating a possible temple complex have been found at English Street; and timber buildings, dated pre-150 AD, located at Keays Lane, Scotch Street, suggest a possible temple and praetorium (Commander's house).Further excavations undertaken at Botchergate and Rickergate uncovered timber buildings on the street frontage, boundary ditches, cremation burials, and industrial activities. This occupation was dated from the early third century, through to the fourth century AD. Excavation of an important pottery production zone dating to the late-first and earlier-second centuries was undertaken about 150m east of the fort at Fisher Street. |
More information : Carlisle (Roman period)
The name 'Luguvalium' applies to the Roman town of Carlisle, which was probably promoted to the status of city as the capital of the 'civitas Carvetiorum'. The Carvetii seem to have constituted a civitas in the 3rd century, with its centre at Carlisle. For some administrative purposes, 'civitas Carvetiorum' may have been an alternative name to Luguvalium.
The first boundary for the town appears to have been a stockade and ditch, later replaced by walls. For the most part its course is followed by the later medieval walls.
Recent excavations 1972 to 1983 have produced a succession what appear to be Roman military establishments, and work is still continuing on the Flavian fort. (See NY 35 NE 72) Other sites on the west side of the town have revealed intensive Roman civilian occupation with continuity into the Dark Ages. It now seems likely that Flavian activity comprising the establishment of a fort and a civilian community was confined to the western and higher part of the present city centre. Numerous Roman burials have been discovered, the main cemetery (see NY 45 NW 67) being on both sides of the London Road, RR 7e (see map diagram).
Concentrations of finds suggestive of a temple complex have been found at English Street, (see NY 45 NW 64) and timber buildings, dated pre 150 AD, located at Keays Lane, Scotch Street, suggest a possible temple and praetorium. (See NY 45 NW 66). (1-6)
Two important excavations were undertaken in the Roman town, at Botchergate and Rickergate in 1998-2001.Timber buildings on the street frontage (with several phases), boundary ditches, cremation burials, and industrial activities, were identified during the various excavations. Occupation dated from the early third century AD, through to the fourth century AD. Excavation of an important pottery production zone dating to the late-first and earlier-second centuries was undertaken about 150m east of the fort. (7, and 8-12)
Located on the English Heritage map of Hadrian's Wall 2010. (13)
Carlisle (Medieval period).
The fate of the town in the immediate post-Roman period is uncertain. Documentary evidence refers to a visit by St Cuthbert in AD 685 when he is said to have been shown the walls and a fountain by a praepositus as well as visiting a nunnery.
Three Anglian cross-heads (see NY 35 NE 39) from the vicinity of the cathedral, occasional references to the abbey, and a single reference to the city being wasted by a Danish army circa AD 876 are the only indication of events leading up to the Norman Conquest.
The Medieval period is marked by religious and military activity with the construction of St Mary's Priory, the cathedral (see NY 35 NE 45),the castle (see NY 35 NE 79), and the rebuilding of the town walls.
(See map diagram B). (14)
Additional bibliography, and plan. (15)
|