The extramural areas of Birdoswald fort: recent excavations

Between 1987 and 2000, approximately 21% of the interior of the fort at Birdoswald on Hadrian’s Wall was excavated. In 1997-99 extensive geophysical survey showed the extent of the extramural settlements to the west, east and north of the fort. Apart from areas to the south of the fort, examined in 1996, and the fort cemetery, excavated in 2009, the character, phasing and dating of these extramural areas remained unexamined. In 2020 a joint project between Newcastle University and Historic England began, with the intention of characterising these areas. In 2021 and 2022 excavations in the east and north areas took place. This lecture will examine the background to this project, and will share, for the first time, the initial results and conclusions.

Host or Publisher The Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle upon Tyne