Hadrian's Wall: Poltross Burn Milecastle

Introduction

This evening, I am focusing on Poltross Burn Milecastle near Gilsland on Hadrian’s Wall in northern England.Location is approximately forty-two miles west of Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

Information on Roman Milecastles

  • Regularly spaced at one Roman mile intervals along the Wall.
  • Performed function as fortified gateway with double gates at front and rear.
  • Typically measure 60 by 50 Roman feet.
  • Contained one or two small outbuildings, possible barrack-blocks.
  • Usually contained an oven in N.W. corner and a staircase in opposite north corner to provide access via ladder to a tower over the north gate.
  • Between each milecastle (or fortlet) was situated two observation towers (or turrets). The towers were thus spaced one-third of a Roman mile apart.
  • Garrisoned by a complement of 20-30 auxiliary soldiers. 

Aspect of Poltross Burn Milecastle 

Poltross Burn Milecastle, Hadrian’s Wall

Poltross Burn Milecastle, Hadrian’s Wall

 

 More Information

More information on both Hadrian’s Wall and the Antonine Wall (Scotland) can be found in Visitors’ Guide to Scotland, ISBN 978-1-9161332-0-4.This is also available via Kindle. 

 

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