Roman Site at Carlisle Cricket Ground, England

Introduction

On Monday 18th I paid one of my regular visits to the archaeology in process at Carlisle Cricket Ground 

Report and Background on the Carlisle Site

The Romans invaded Britain in AD 43. A landing took place of the shores of what is now southern England sometimes facing stiff resistance from the local tribes. 

Carlisle (pop 110,000) has evolved from the Roman fort of Luguvalium which was established in AD72. Later, in the 2nd century, Hadrian's Wall was constructed east to west across what is now northern England. Luguvalium benefited from this in that it fell within the Romanised territory to the south of the Wall. Furthermore, the Wall incorporated 17 major forts of which one, Uxelodunum was situated a short distance from Luguvalium to the N.E.

Consistent with Roman military practice, a bathhouse was constructed to serve the 1000 strong garrison at Uxelodunum. This facility was located roughly equidistant between Uxelodunum and Luguvalium and close to a bend in the River Eden.

River Eden 

 

Artist's impression of the Carlisle Roman site during the reign of Emperor, Septimus Severus, AD 193-211  

Reconstruction of the Carlisle Roman site during the reign of Emperor, Septimus Severus, AD 193-211  


The investigation of the site continues on a seasonal basis. The Romans left Britain in AD 410 and it appears that occupation of the site continued through to the departure. Over the centuries of Roman rule the archaeology suggests the site experienced various changes and re-purposing details of which will no doubt emerge in due course.However, it does appear that:

  • Bathing does appear to have been one of the key activities on the site.
  • Water may have been sourced from a spring above the site and perhaps collected in a holding tank.
  • Evidence suggests that the Emperor, Septimus Severus may have been based at the site for various periods. Severus was a 'warrior' emperor and took on the hostile tribes known as Picts who occupied what is now Scotland.

Below is a portfolio of images taken on Monday during the excavation.

 Sieving excavation material

Sieving 'finds'. 

Excavation in process 


Site Plan

Another view of work in process.  


 Previous posts covering this excavation van be found via the links below. 

 https://www.nigelsphotoblog.co.uk/2026/02/the-carlisle-heads-from-nearby-roman.html

 https://www.nigelsphotoblog.co.uk/2025/06/carlisle-roman-site-2.html

https://www.nigelsphotoblog.co.uk/2025/03/carlisle-roman-site.html 

 https://www.nigelsphotoblog.co.uk/2024/11/impressive-find-from-carlisle-roman.html

https://www.nigelsphotoblog.co.uk/2024/10/important-roman-site-in-carlisle.html

 https://www.nigelsphotoblog.co.uk/2024/01/roman-bathhouse-at-carlisle.html

https://www.nigelsphotoblog.co.uk/2023/11/roman-bathhouse-at-carlisle.html 

https://www.nigelsphotoblog.co.uk/2023/02/roman-finds-at-carlisle.html 

 More information on Roman Britain can be found here.

 

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