Hardknott Roman Fort (Cumbria)

Remains of a 2nd century Roman Fort.

Summary 13th century buildings (or older) Free car parking (on site)

Introduction

This remote and dramatically-sited fort was founded under Hadrian's rule in the 2nd century. Well-marked remains include the headquarters building, commandant's house and bath house. The site of the parade ground survives beside the fort, and the road which Hardknott guarded can be traced for some distance as an earthwork.

History to the present day

Hardknott Roman Fort was a fort in the Roman province of Britannia. Its remains are located on the western side of the Hardknott Pass in Cumbria.

It was built on a rocky spur giving a superb view over the River Esk in both upper and lower Eskdale, and protecting Hardknott Pass. The fort has been commonly known in recent times as Hardknott Castle, but identified from the Ravenna Cosmography as the Mediobogdo fort, situated along the road between the forts of Galava (Ambleside) and Glannoventa (Ravenglass).

Built between about AD 120 and 138, the fort was abandoned during the Antonine advance into Scotland during the mid 2nd Century. The fort was reoccupied c AD 200 and continued in use until the last years of the 4th century. During this time an extensive vicus developed outside the fort. The Roman garrison here was a detachment of 500 cavalry from the Dalmatian coast.

The fort is square with rounded corners, 114 metres long externally, or 105 metres internally, the rampart wall being about 1.7 metres thick with ditches adding to the total width of the rampart. The low walls of the fort were "restored" some years ago, a slate course showing the height of the walls before their rebuilding. Outside the square of the fort is the remains of the bath house (which has a rare circular sudatorium), and the levelled parade ground, which is considered to be the finest surviving example in the Western Empire.

Arrival information and how to find us

Address: Hardknott Roman Fort, Cumbria, , United Kingdom

Opening times:

All year

Any reasonable time

Mon - Sun

Admission prices:

Adult:Free

Children:Free

Concession:Free

 

Photographs courtesy of English Heritage Photographic Library.