Banna

Birdoswald Roman Fort stands on a triangular spur of land above the River Irthing in Cumbria, part of Hadrian’s Wall in north-west England. The site was first chosen by the Romans in the 2nd century AD for its commanding view over the river valley. The fort’s name, Banna, comes from a Celtic word meaning ‘peak’ or ‘horn’, describing the landform it occupies. After Roman rule ended, the fort remained in use for centuries, first as a farm until 1984. Today it is one of the best-preserved forts along the wall and links to the longest surviving stretch of Hadrian’s Wall. The fort is worth visiting for its long history and archaeological importance. Built around 125 AD as a turf-and-timber fort, it was rebuilt in stone by 130 AD and still encloses the same walls today. Over 200 students have taken part in excavations at the site since 2023. The fort’s position made it a key crossing point over the Irthing, protected by a bridge built at the same time as the wall. Its strategic role continued long after Rome, with medieval and later buildings found on the site. Inside the fort, visitors see the standard Roman layout. The central buildings include the principia, where regimental affairs were managed, and the praetorium, the commanding officer’s house with its own bath. Two large granaries stored grain, meat and barley for brewing, with air vents to keep supplies fresh. On the north side stood workshops and a covered drill hall, used for training in all weathers. The remains of the turf wall’s ditch can still be seen nearby, showing where the original earthwork once ran. The fort’s stone walls and gates frame views over the river valley, linking past and present.