Milefortlet 12

Milefortlet 12 stands near the hamlet of Blitterlees in North West England. It formed part of the Roman Cumbrian Coast defences, a line of milefortlets and watchtowers stretching from Hadrian’s Wall along the coast. The site is now covered by grass and heather, with only earthworks marking where turf walls once stood. Wind and quarrying have worn away much of the remains, leaving little visible above ground. Excavations in 1967 confirmed the fort was built of timber and earth. A hoard of 20 to 30 coins from Emperor Vespasian’s reign was found 700 metres east in 1841. The fort worked with two small towers placed about one-third and two-thirds of a Roman mile to the west. Tower 12A was found in 1963 as a slight mound among sand dunes and later measured six metres square before repairs reduced it. Tower 12B, discovered in 1955, contained five hearths and fragments of cooking pots repaired with lead rivets. Both towers would have housed part of the fort’s garrison, watching for threats along the coast. Visitors walk across grassy dunes where the fort once stood. The site blends into the landscape, with no grand ruins to inspect. Nearby, the two towers survive as low platforms in the golf course sand hills. The area feels quiet and remote, with only the wind and the distant sea breaking the silence. It offers a quiet reminder of Rome’s far-flung frontier defences.