Corbridge Roman Town – Hadrian's Wall
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Overview
The Romans built and rebuilt their fort at Corstopitum over several centuries, and the current fort is the fourth version. It was built about AD140 as a jumping-off point for the pacification of Caledonia. That turned out not to be one of the Empire’s brighter ideas, but Corstopitum continued to be an important military base long after the Romans finally gave up on conquering the north at the end of the second century. It changed from a purely military base into a thriving mercantile community – the most northerly in the Roman Empire. Much of that settlement is still buried, though its stones are found in many Corbridge and Hexham buildings. The big granaries, with their stone-slabbed floors and walls, give you an idea of the immense logistics of feeding the legions which manned the wall, and the inscriptions and small personal objects – combs, buttons and bronze pins – remind you that the Roman soldiers and the civilians who lived here were people just like us. The square courtyard to the north of the main street (part of Stanegate) was never finished and no one is quite sure what it was. Opposite are the military compounds, where you can trace the workshops and officers’ houses before descending into the former strongroom to see where soldiers and locals worshipped both Roman and local gods. Pride of place in the museum at Corstopitum goes to the Corbridge Lion. A finely carved, spirited beast with a bushy mane, it is depicted attacking a stag. It is thought that the lion may have started its life on a tomb, but was later moved to ornament the great fountain in the town, parts of which can still be seen.
Features
- Opening Times
- Open all year
- Opening Times: Open all year, Apr-Sep, daily 10-6; Oct, daily 10-5; Nov-19 Feb & 25 Feb-Mar, Sat-Sun 10-4; 20-24 Feb, daily 10-4. Closed 24-26 Dec & 1 Jan
- Facilities
- Parking onsite
- Parking nearby
About the area
If it’s history you’re after, there’s heaps of it in Northumberland. On Hadrian’s Wall you can imagine scarlet-cloaked Roman legionaries keeping watch for painted Pictish warriors while cursing the English weather and dreaming of home.
Places to eat nearby View all
Nearby places to stay
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Nearby places to stay
Golden Lion
The Golden Lion is in the heart of Corebridge and is built of stone blocks from nearby Dilston Hall that was dismantled in 1768. The Golden Lion has been a public house since 1827 and c...
Orchard House Barn
Located in the pretty hamlet of Sandhoe, a short hop from the town of Corbridge, Orchard House Barn combines luxurious modern decor with plenty of traditional features of the old barn. ...
Orchard House Barn
Located in the pretty hamlet of Sandhoe, a short hop from the town of Corbridge, Orchard House Barn combines luxurious modern decor with plenty of traditional features of the old barn. ...
The Duke of Wellington Inn
Set in a peaceful village, The Duke of Wellington Inn is reputedly one of Northumberland's oldest pubs. It offers high standards of accommodation, food and hospitality. Generous sized b...
The Granary Cottage
The Granary Cottage is idyllically situated in the pretty hamlet of Newton, with spectacular countryside views cross the entire Tyne Valley. The cottage has a private enclosed garden an...
The Granary Cottage
The Granary Cottage is idyllically situated in the pretty hamlet of Newton, with spectacular countryside views cross the entire Tyne Valley. The cottage has a private enclosed garden an...
Heavenfield Cottage
Heavenfield Cottage is a beautifully renovated farm building set in peaceful, picturesque countryside on a working farm. Guests benefit from a well-maintained garden area which has a fu...
Heavenfield Cottage
Heavenfield Cottage is a beautifully renovated farm building set in peaceful, picturesque countryside on a working farm. Guests benefit from a well-maintained garden area which has a fu...
