Ambleside Roman Fort LA22 0EN
Entry: Free for everyone
Open: Seasonal - See website
Reviews: 0

About:
Covering three acres, the fort was probably built during the reign of the Emperor Hadrian (AD 117–38).
However, excavations have suggested the presence, partly beneath the stone buildings, of an earlier fort with a turf wall and timber buildings, constructed possibly in the 90s AD, when Roman control of the Lake District was being consolidated.

Little is known of the fort’s history, and the identity of none of its garrisons has been established.
A tombstone of Flavius Romanus from the third century, which was found in the 1960s to the east of the fort, states that he was killed by an enemy inside the fort; whether his killer was a personal enemy or a member of an attacking force is unknown.
Finds suggest that the fort was occupied into the later fourth century and beyond. Given its strategic location, this fort, like that at Birdoswald on Hadrian’s Wall, could have become the base for a local warlord and his militia after the Romans departed.
The most interesting theory regarding Ambleside is that it had a significant regional role in supplying the Roman troops who policed the Lake District.

Its location, so close to Windermere, made it a suitable reception point for goods transported by ship. This suggestion is supported by the large size of the granaries and of the settlement outside the fort, which extended at least 875 yards (800 metres) to the north.

Dog Friendly:
Dogs allowed on lead only - Livestock present

Entry Charge:
Free for everyone

Parking:
Paid car parks throughout Ambleside

Facilities:
None

Notes:
Uneven and rough terrain.

Contact:
Website:www.english-heritage.org.uk
Tel: 0370 3331181