Stanegate

The Stanegate was a Roman road in northern England, running between the Tyne and Irthing valleys. It linked forts at Corstopitum near the River Tyne and Luguvalium by the River Eden, guarding river crossings. Built before Hadrian’s Wall, it followed gentler slopes rather than straight lines. The road was about 22 feet wide with stone gutters and a cobbled foundation. Agricola, the Roman governor from 77 to 85 AD, is believed to have organised its construction. The Stanegate served as a frontier when Rome withdrew from Scotland around 87 AD. Forts were spaced at one-day marching intervals, later tightened to half-day intervals. Major forts included Vindolanda, Magnis, and Nether Denton, with smaller posts like Haltwhistle Burn and Throp. The road also connected to the Maiden Way from Epiacum near Alston. A section between Fourstones and Vindolanda remains in use today. Today, parts of the Stanegate survive as minor roads and footpaths. At Newbrough, a small fort lies within the church graveyard. Vindolanda is well known for its excavations, while Magnis at Carvoran sits near the Military Road. Near Brampton, half of Brampton Old Church fort is buried beneath the churchyard. A marching camp can still be seen from the air near Carlisle Airport. The road’s route offers glimpses of Roman engineering and the landscape they travelled.