Housesteads was a Roman auxiliary fort on Hadrian's Wall in Northumberland near the border with Scotland. Its Latin name was Vercovicium. The fort was built in stone around 124 A.D., soon after the construction of the Wall began in 122 A.D.
It is likely that the site for the fort was chosen just as much for its strategic position commanding a gap in the Whin Sill ridge overlooking Knag Burn, as occupying a site on or close to a native settlement.
The fort's orientation is unorthodox, in that its long axis is arranged parallel with Hadrian's Wall (which forms its northern defensive wall), due to the lie of the land. Most other forts use the Wall as their southern boundary and therefore protrude into barbarian territory.
About Housesteads
Wikipedia: Housesteads Fort
Hadrian's Wall: Housesteads Roman Fort
Hadrian's Wall Website
Journey to Housesteads
Housesteads Roman Fort is located in the north of England off the B6318 (near Bardon Mill) roughly half way between the cities of Carlisle in Cumbria and Newcastle Upon Tyne in Northumberland.
Streetmap UK (NGR NY7883568774)
Visitors Information
Visitors information may be found at the English Heritage website. General tourist information for the area and additional Hadrian's Wall information may be found at the Hadrian's Wall website.
Additional Photos of Housesteads
Sign for Housesteads Roman Fort at Start of Footpath
Approaching Housteads Roman Fort
Ruins of Housesteads Roman Fort
Ruins of Housesteads Roman Fort
Ruins of Housesteads Roman Fort
Ruins of Housesteads Roman Fort
Ruins of Housesteads Roman Fort
Ruins of Housesteads Roman Fort
Hadrian's Wall from Housesteads North Wall
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