Evidence of the presence of Roman military forces in and around the northern Yorkshire Dales is plentiful, notably along the cross-Pennine Roman road, now mainly followed by the route of the A66.
Along it are found the remains of Roman forts at Greta Bridge (Magis), Bowes (Lavatris) and Brough (Verteris), also the fortlet known as Maiden Castle, the marching camp at Rey Cross/Stainmore Summit, and several Roman signal stations. There is also a confirmed Roman fort at Bainbridge (Virosidum) in Wensleydale and a Roman road through Swaledale and Arkengarthdale almost certainly connecting the forts of Bainbridge and Binchester (Vinovia), County Durham, crossing the River Tees by a ford at Barnard Castle.
For a helpful background to this era in the northern Yorkshire Dales, read these submissions by SWAAG founder, Peter Denison-Edson:
– Why did the Romans build a fort at Bainbridge, an essay by Peter Denison-Edson
– New light on the Roman north-east: Short reports on seven presentations
SWAAG database
The SWAAG database contains information about the Roman activities during the occupation.
In the Earthworks category PDF, see records:
– 532 for a description of a SWAAG visit to the Roman forts at Greta Bridge, Bowes and Brough and the Marching Camp at Stainmore Summit, together with a detailed account of the significance and role of these structures by SWAAG founder Peter Denison-Edson.
– 965 for a comprehensive photographic record and description of the role of Maiden Castle fortlet, by Tim Laurie.
There are two records in the Photographic category PDF concerning the Roman occupation:
– 848 for an investigating the line of the Roman road over the Stang, Arkengarthdale.
– 939 for an image of a now-lost Roman shrine, found originally at Eller Beck, Scargill High Moor, Teesdale.
In the Archaeological Finds category PDF, see records:
– 588 for an account of a dedication slab honouring the Roman Emperor Severus and his two sons Caracalla and Geta, found at Bowes.
– 592 for an account of a hoard of Roman military horse harness fittings found on Fremington Edge.
– 593 for an account of a Roman coin hoard found at Scarr House, Swale Hall Lane, west of Grinton.
– 604 for an account of Roman lead ‘pigs’ found in the Yorkshire Dales, including two reputedly found in Swaledale.
In the Stone Structures category PDF, see record:
– 845 for an account of three Roman altars found on the site of the now-ruined old church of St Mary’s Church, Brignall, near Greta Bridge.
Walks and Talks
In 2022, SWAAG members Alan and Judith Mills led a group to explore the Maiden Castle fortlet. An illustrated account of the visit can be read here: Walks 2022. A report on a follow-up talk by Alan Mills to SWAAG members can be read here: Talks 2022.
Small Finds
In Swaledale, there are have several small finds relating to the Roman occupation, including coins, horse-harness fittings, and items of personal apparel. Images and information can be found here: Small Finds/Roman Britain.
Native Britons during the occupation
There is plentiful evidence from archaeological finds that native British roundhouse settlements, dating from the Iron Age, continued to be occupied by the indigenous population in the northern Yorkshire Dales during the period of Roman rule and are consequently often described as Romano-British settlements.
Excavations in Swaledale, at Healaugh and at Hagg Farm, Fremington, have shown these sites to be confirmed examples of this continued occupation by the Britons. Many other ancient settlement sites in the northern dales are also thought to have remained in native occupation during the Roman period and afterwards, up until their replacement by Anglian settlements, characterised by rectangular houses. Extensive information about roundhouse settlements can be found in this website in the following places:
Healaugh Pastures
Hagg Farm Fremington
Settlement Surveys
More Settlements
