Corbridge Roman station and town (Corbridge)

The extensive remains of a major Roman town and supply base for Hadrian's Wall stand just west of the present village of Corbridge. The earliest structure was a timber supply base probably built by Agricola in the first century AD, before Hadrian's Wall was built. This was replaced by a turf and timber fort which protected Dere Street, the main road from York to Scotland, where it crossed the River Tyne. A series of at least five other forts were laid out on the site over the following years., each slightly altering the internal plan of the fort but largely keeping within the existing ramparts and ditches. This development continued until about the AD160s. At this time the Antonine frontier in Scotland was abandoned and the fort seems to have undergone a drastic change in appearance.
The ramparts were levelled and most of the buildings demolished, the granaries were rebuilt in a more massive style, and a large courtyard building and an elaborate aqueduct and fountain were built. However, excavations have shown that these ambitious plans got little further than foundation stages before being abandoned. Other developments took place to the south with small properties including a pottery shop or warehouse, possible workshops, administrative block and substantial houses. These buildings were in probable military compounds, protected by a substantial wall. The later history of Corbridge, in the third and fourth centuries remains unclear.
Excavations at Corbridge have unearthed many fine finds, from sculptured stones to a hoard of metal and other objects buried in a wooden box. Some of the discoveries date to earlier and later periods and include Iron Age metalwork and early medieval finds. Today the site is run by English Heritage and the remains of stone buildings can be seen and many of the finds are on display in the site museum. This is a Scheduled Monument protected by law.

Reference number: N9002
Historical period: Early Medieval (AD411 to 1066)
Prehistoric (500,000BC to AD43)
Iron Age (800BC to AD43)
Roman (AD43 to AD410)
Legal status: Scheduled Ancient Monument

See also:
Source of Reference
Local History of Corbridge
Location of this site on a map, with option to view historical maps. Please note this link will open a new window. To return to this page please close the new window.
The Past Perfect web site for an example of a prehistoric burial (Low Hauxley).

Corbridhe Roman Town. Photo by Harry Rowland, 1994.

Disclaimer - Please note that this information has been compiled from a number of different sources. Durham County Council and Northumberland County Council can accept no responsibility for any inaccuracy contained therein. If you wish to use/copy any of the images, please ensure that you read the Copyright information provided.

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