Concangis

Concangis was a Roman auxiliary fort in the province of Lower Britain. Its remains stand in Chester-le-Street, County Durham, where the town now covers much of the site. The fort once occupied a high bluff between the valleys of the River Wear and Cong Burn. Two Roman legions built and rebuilt its defences: the Ninth Hispanic first in turf, then the Second Augustan in stone during the early 2nd century. Excavations in 1978 and 1990–91 uncovered officers’ quarters, pottery, coins, animal bones, a cheese press and a tile bearing a dog’s footprint. The fort lay on Dere Street, the main road from York to Hadrian’s Wall forts, with a branch road possibly linking to Lanchester. Altars found here include dedications to Mars, Apollo, Celtic and German deities, and several to gods who protected veteran soldiers. A high proportion of these altars suggests many former legionaries settled nearby after service. Two stones in the parish church of St Mary and St Cuthbert still show lewis holes from their earlier use in the fort’s walls. Visitors see part of the excavated officers’ quarters left on display beside the modern street. Finds from the digs include fine table wares, coins and tools, giving a glimpse of daily life at the fort. The churchyard holds recycled Roman masonry, and the surrounding landscape keeps the fort’s original elevated position above the Wear and Cong Burn valleys.