More information : [Centred at NY 2597 4644] Olenacum Roman Fort [GS] (1)
The Roman fort of Oldenacum (3) at Old Carlisle, seems to have been surrounded by a double ditch. There are 29 Roman inscriptions from the site (2).
In the field to the east of the fort the plough has revealed great quantities of Samian, Caistor and coarse pottery, tiles & slates and building stones. Near the field centre a mass of mixed charcoal would seem to indicate a hypocaust (2). There are considerable surface indications of closely packed buildings to the south of the fort -between it and the modern main road, and air photos [DS 058 J.K. St.J.] also show a further series south of the latter road. (3). In 1956 the NE corner of OS field No.771 (south of the modern road) was excavated. Traces of walls & paved floors were revealed. Provisional assessment of pottery found in this area indicated 2nd-3rd century occupation (4). (2-4)
An altar to Jupiter - Vulcan found at old Carlisle in 1842 is now in Carlisle Museum. (5)
Generally as described, and in fair condition.
Resurveyed at 1:2500.The area of civil settlement is represented everywhere by broken and stony ground, but no identifiable remains survive. (6)
Name `OLENACVM' accepted for 4th. edition R.B.Map.
MAGLONA. Probably the Roman fort at Old Carlisle. (The name OLENACUM formerly applied to Old Carlisle is now attributed to Elslack fort -SD 94 NW/2). (7)
The fort encloses an area of 4.5 acres (1.82 ha). Traces of the vicus exist around the north, south and east sides of the fort. On a level area approx. 75m south of the southern gate is the outline of a large courtyard building which is probably a mansio. There are traces of an ancient rock-cut aqueduct leading along the valley on the east side of the stream and only just above it. This may possibly represent a water supply for a bath-building placed somewhere on the floor of the valley. (8-9)
NY 260465. Westward. Roman remains at Old Carlisle near Red Dial. Scheduled no 8. (10)
The Roman Fort road network and vicus was photographed in 2006 when elements of the site were showing clearly as parched marks. (11-12) |