Situated somewhat conspicuously slap-bang in the middle of
a housing estate in the western suburbs of Newcastle-upon-Tyne sits a fascinating
relic of the region’s rich Roman past – in fact there are two of them within
yards of each other. Hardly surprising, though, as the spot sits immediately
south of the course of Hadrian’s Wall.
© Copyright Mike Quinn and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.
The first is Benwell Vallum Crossing, being all that is left
of the ancient roadway which passed over the ditch and bank system at the
southern side of Condercum Roman Fort – though nothing of the fort itself
remains. Amazingly, for all that we have left of the Roman frontier, this is
the only remaining example of its kind which has so far been found. It is
nothing much to look at, really, but the footings of the former archway can
still be clearly made out – and the landscaping thereabouts maintains its
ancient form, enabling the casual visitor to easily imagine its former
appearance. It was probably built early in the wall/fort’s history (early 2nd
century), and continued to operate until at least the late 3rd
century.
© Copyright Mike Quinn and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.
A short walk to the east sits what remains of a Roman
temple, which would have been situated just outside the fort in the civilian
settlement, or vicus. Once more, the ruins have been reduced to nigh ground
level, but it is easy to discern the building’s outline – and again presents a
curious throw-back amidst modern-day surroundings. A couple of replica altar
stones help those of us with little in the way of imagination. The structure,
dedicated to local god Antenociticus, was
built around 178-180AD. Skeletons were found on the site in the 1930s, and Anglo-Saxon
goods have also been unearthed nearby.
This document gives you a nice idea of the lie of the land and the position of
the remains.
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