Ravenglass Roman Fort
Ravenglass Roman Fort (Glannaventa) is at the end of the Roman defence line along the Cumbrian coast.(or it may be a stand along fort to guard a harbour) It is likely that the fort defended a Roman harbour and possibly was a depot for the Roman fleet, but there is no evidence for this assumption
The site is located about half a mile south of the village, next to the coast and bisected by the railway on the coastal side in 1850. The platform for the fort can be seen in a field to the right having just passed the remains of the bathhouse. (See below) The outline of the fort can be seen below.
As can be seen, the west has been subject to coastal erosion and the remains of a barracks has been found in the North West corner.
Looking south with the fort on the right Esk estuary looking right with railway on the left
The first fort was probably built circa 122AD as a turf fort and was replaced by a stone fort within 10 years. There is evidence of destruction by fire in circa AD197, AD296 and AD367 dates that mirror known periods of widespread turmoil in the region. In each case, it was rebuilt, but the date it was abandoned is unknown. It was isolated and of course subject to attack from the sea.
As can be seen, the west has been subject to coastal erosion and the remains of a barracks have been found in the North West corner
Bath Room.
Built about 130AD when the stone fort was built. It is 40ft and 90ft long and 2 rooms wide.
The changing room is identified above, but the use of all the rooms is unclear. Under floor heating has been identified. It is the highest Roman building in the north of England because it was used as a building into the medieval era. There are external buttresses, which were probably intended to take the weight of a vaulted roof
The 1st Cohort of Aelia Classica is associated with Ravenglass. It is interesting to note it was a naval unit