Harrow's Scar Milecastle (Hadrian's Wall) (Cumbria)

A mile-long section of the Wall, rebuilt in stone later in Hadrian's reign.

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

Introduction

 A mile-long section of the Wall, rebuilt in stone later in Hadrian's reign. It is linked to Birdoswald Roman Fort.

History to the present day

Harrow's Scar is a Roman milecastle on Hadrian's Wall, situated on the western side of the River Irthing gorge. It is part of an exceptionally well-preserved section of Hadrian's Wall, which stretches for over a mile. Harrow's Scar is also connected to Birdoswald Roman Fort, which is one of the most important Roman forts on Hadrian's Wall.

This section of the Wall was oriinally constructed from turf, probably because there was little building stone available to quarry locally. Around the end of the 2nd century AD the existing wall was rebuilt in stone. 

A Roman altar was found when the fort was excavated. The inscriptions on the Altar showed that it was once dedicated to Silvanus, the Roman spirit of the woods.

Harrow's Scar is also known as Milecastle 49. 

Arrival information and how to find us

Address: Harrow's Scar Milecastle (Hadrian's Wall), 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.