| Summary : The Roman fort of the Classis Britannica, near Albany Place. The Classis Britannica (the Roman fleet in Britain) adopted Dover as its major base on the British Coast for much of the second century AD, where it constructed a fort, harbour installations and two lighthouses. A vicus or civilian settlement developed to the north of the fort. The fort, two-thirds of which has been excavated, was occupied for three main periods in the second century, and was subject to rebuilding and repair in each period. Initial activity in the area of the fort, consisting of an open military settlement covering 0.5 ha, has been dated to circa AD 117. In AD 130-140 a fort covering 1 ha was completed for a garrison of 600-700 men, comprising a stone defensive wall, ditched on three sides, and a variety of internal buildings. This was abandoned circa AD 154-155. A second phase of occupation has been dated to AD 163-165 to AD 180, when substantial repairs and rebuilding works were carried out to the fort. A final phase of occupation dating to AD 190-200 to circa AD 208 also involved rebuilding works, perhaps to form a Saxon Shore fort. This monument is sited in the largely unexcavated south-western part of the fort, where it is considered that the most complete and undisturbed remains of the fort exist. It is probable that the principia, or headquarters building of the fort, and further barrack blocks exist here. Trial trenches at Albany Place were cut in 1980, and revealed a variety of important remains including burials, occupation deposits and the fort wall and south gate. Scheduled. |
More information : Dover, the Dubris of the Antonine Itinerary and of the Notitia Dignitatum, has long been accepted as being a Saxon Shore fort and a probable base of the Classis Britannica but positive proof was not obtained until the 1970 excavations made on behalf of the MPBW. Partly underlying the Saxon Shore fort and to the south (centred TR 319413) was identified an earlier fort of which over 35 metres of wall, 1.17 metres thick, with a slight V-shaped ditch, was exposed. Six major buildings divided by at least four roads were found. Finds included more than 40 fragments of tile stamped: "CLBR". The discovery of the Classis Britannica fort proves the existence of a major naval base at Dover during at least the 2nd century AD, the earlier fort being largely or entirely superseded in the 3rd century by the "Saxon Shore" fort but the dates have not yet been clearly established. (1-3)
Three superimposed forts are known at Dover and the final excavation report on the two earliest forts has now appeared. Both are thought to be associated with the Classis Britannica. The earliest fort was apparently abandoned perhaps circa 117 AD before it had been completed. A second fort enclosing circa 2.5 acres (1hectare) was then built on the same site in about 130-140 AD and finally abandoned circa 210 AD. A Saxon Shore fort is the latest military occupation of the site. (4)
Further excavation of the forts and an early waterfront was undertaken by Brian Philp in 1982 within the Market Hall, Dover. (5)
DUBRIS - possibly the place was sometimes called PORTUS DUBRIS. Identified with the Roman fort at Dover. NOVUS PORTUS - source Ptolemy. The name is Latin, `new harbour' and almost certainly represents Dover as recorded in an early coastal survey. (6)
The fort of the Classis Britannica was situated to the south and west of the Saxon Shore fort and must have been in ruins at the time of its construction since the wall for the late 3rd century fort cuts through the barrack blocks of the earlier one. (See illustration cards). (7)
See illustration card. (8)
Notes on excavations in progress. (9)
Notes on excavations in progress. (10)
Structures found associated with the 2nd century fort. (11)
Rescue excavations in the town centre have discovered Roman buildings. (12)
Discovery of a military bathhouse outside the Classis Britannica fort and close to the Painted House. (13)
Details of a lecture given by B Philp. (14)
Report on further discoveries at Dover. (15)
Discovery of the fort of the Classis Britannica reported. (16)
More notes on the buildings of the fort of the Classis Britannica. (17)
Details of the Excavations. (18)
Further details of the excavations. (19)
Notes on the discovery of the east wall of the Classis Britannica fort and finds of the Saxon Shore fort. (20)
Mention of Dover as a naval base. (21)
At the Warehouse south site part of a chalk-built barrack block of the Classis Britannica Fort was found to have three construction periods. A number of hearths were found. The barrack had been cut by the south wall of the Saxon Shore fort. Information from Mr and Mrs Philp. (22)
A substantial masonry structure was found outside the north gate of the Classis Britannica Fort. It was probably a walled yard attached to the bath house excavated to the north in 1973. Other details of finds are provided. (23)
Notes on the defences of the Classis Britannica Fort. (24)
South-western section of the Roman fort of the Classis Britannica, near Albany Place, Dover. Scheduled. (25)
Saxon Shore fort bastion, Quen Street. Scheduled. (26) |