Location
AMBLESIDE-ROMAN-FORT
Ambleside Roman Fort on the North shore of Lake Windermere on a mound 5 to 6 ft. higher than the lake are remains, which is about half a mile south west of Ambleside. The fort was extensively excavated in the early 20th century.
From the North West was a road from Brougham going 2000ft over High St and by Haweswater and there was a possible road from Troutbeck Roman Fort, East of Keswick going to Old Penrith.
Ambleside Roman Fort Location and roads
There was a road over Hardknott pass to Ravenglass It is likely there was a road south to Lancaster and Ribchester, but as yet unidentified.
History
Two forts were identified; one dated to about 90AD possibly 110AD, built of turf and wood it was an irregular shape as can be seen below. It purpose is in dispuite.It was either to control the access to lowlands from the highlands or the control the road to Ravenglass, the region port. Perhaps it did both. It was rebuilt in the Hadrianic period, probably as infantry fort.
After Hadrian (died 138AD) it was abandoned or with a much reduced garrison, It is likely all available soldiers were required for the 2nd Scottish invasion.
It was reoccupied about 161AD and continued to be occupied through the 4th century.
The excavations took place between 1913 and 1920.
The Site
AMBLESIDE-ROMAN-FORTS-DIAGRAM
It is located in Borrans field, 200ft North West of Lake Windermere.
The visible remains relate the stone fort built in the Hadrianic period, all stone except for the barracks. The fort had 2 large granaries, too large for the 500 man fortand it was probably a distribution centre to supply other forts.
The fort‘s area was about 3 acres measuring 420ft and 300ft.
Commander’s House, Headquarters Building and the granaries, along with south and east gates, with NW and NE turrets are exposed to view but only the foundations.
All this is under the guardianship of the National Trust. It was purchased by the National Trust in 1913.
Entry the site though the Main Gate from Borrans Park, the signage is not good.
Ambleside-Roman-Fort-Main-Eastgate
It had a double gate like the Hadrian’s Wall Forts.
Ambleside-Roman-Fort-Main-Eastgate-looking-North
Moving south towards the lake are the remains of corner tower.
Ambleside-Roman-Fort-Angle-Tower
Heading west are the remains of the Southgate
Ambleside-Roman-Fort-Southgate
Through the Southgate heading north along Via Principalis to the Commander’s House, which probably had a second storey.
Ambleside-Roman-Fort-Commanders-House
Then the Headquarters Building with a courtyard, a hall and the rooms at the back
Ambleside-Roman-Fort-HQ-Building
At the back of the building is an impressive strong room, indicating the concept that the fort acted as a depot for surrounding forts.
Ambleside-Roman-Fort-HQ-Building-Small-Strong-Room-
Further north are the two granaries, larger than the fort required indicating that the fort was regional depot.
Ambleside-Roman-Fort-two-Granaries
Here is an artist impression of the buildings as built 1900 years ago.
AMBLESIDE-ROMAN-FORTS-main-building-as-they-were
.The Western ditch can still be seen
Ambleside-Roman-Fort-Western-Ditch
At the south of the Western Ditch is the River Brathay, which is now further west than when the fort was built.
Ambleside-Roman-Fort-River-Brathay-SW-Corner
Garrison
Very few inscriptions have been found, therefore nothing is known about the garrison except that the size of the fort indicate a cohort of infantry.
Civilian Settlement
North of the Ambleside Roman Fort was a civilian settlement surrounded by a ditch extending 350 yards North of the fort walls. It was occupied from the 1st to 3rd centuries. This has been excavated in 3 times beginning in 1876. Numerous evidence of structures and roads have been found.
The settlement was North of the fort, its size and layout remain unclear.
The few inscriptions can be found HERE