Name: Willowford Wall, Turrets and Bridge - Hadrian's Wall
Rating: 5.0

Willowford Wall, Turrets and Bridge - Hadrian's Wall

Gilsland, Brampton CA8 7DA, UK

1-99 Years

Website

Contact

Message

Description

Willowford Wall, Turrets and Bridge - Hadrian's Wall a fine 914 metre stretch of Wall, including two turrets and impressive bridge remains beside the River Irthing. Linked by a bridge to Birdoswald Roman Fort.

The Willowford sector of Hadrian’s Wall includes the east abutment of a bridge that carried Hadrian’s Wall over the river Irthing, and two turrets (48a and 48b). It also has some of the best-preserved parts of the Wall itself. Both the Wall and the turrets here clearly illustrate the decision made while the Wall was being built to reduce its width. The bridge was remodelled at least twice, being widened to take a road in the late 2nd or early 3rd century AD.

Free Entry. If you are looking for Best place for day out with kids and families then this is the perfect destination offering fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories for everyone.

Features

Free
Host birthday parties: No

Features

History of Willowford Wall, Turrets and Bridge: The Willowford sector of Hadrian’s Wall includes the east abutment of a bridge that carried Hadrian’s Wall over the river Irthing, and two turrets (48a and 48b). It also has some of the best-preserved parts of the Wall itself. Both the Wall and the turrets here clearly illustrate the decision made while the Wall was being built to reduce its width. The bridge was remodelled at least twice, being widened to take a road in the late 2nd or early 3rd century AD.
Initial Building: Building began in about AD 122 with the laying of the first three or four courses of a wall 10 Roman feet (3 metres) wide (the Broad Wall). Before the Wall could be completed to this plan, its width was reduced to 8 Roman feet (2.2 metres) (the Narrow Wall).[1] Work on the bridge over the river Irthing and the two turrets (48a and 48b) seems to have been carried much further before the change in the specification for the Wall, though it is impossible to say whether they were finished in the first stage of overall construction.[
The Bridge Rebuilt: An attempt was made to protect the east end of the bridge and the tower by revetting the river bank, but eventually a catastrophic flood swept away the abutment and the easternmost river pier.[3] When the bridge was rebuilt, it still served only to take the Wall across the river. The fallen arch was replaced by a timber span,[4] and the original tower by another, of larger size, further east.
Turrets: Both turrets contained four superimposed floors of clay or flagstones, but no pottery was recovered from either dating from later than the beginning of the 3rd century.[5] At this period many other turrets along the Wall, especially those in the central sector, were demolished, their walls being reduced to ground level. However, turret 48a and perhaps turret 48b, though no longer occupied, seem to have remained standing.
The Bridge Widened: In the late 2nd or early 3rd century the bridge was rebuilt to take a road across the Irthing.[6] A ramp was built behind the Wall to take the Military Way, a service road added to the existing installations on the Wall, up to the level of the carriageway across the river.
Post-Roman History: Remains of the bridge were seen by the antiquary William Camden on his northern tour in 1599.[9] At that time the course of the Irthing was further to the east than it is now, and the bases of the bridge piers might have been visible in the river bed.

Facilities

Parking: Charged car parking is available at Birdoswald Roman Fort, approximately a 15-20 minute walk away. The fee is refunded to visitors and members who visit Birdoswald.

Website

Contact

Price

Price: Free

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

Open any reasonable time during daylight hours.

Address: Gilsland, Brampton CA8 7DA, UK

Post Code: CA8 7DA

Council: Cumberland

County: Cumbria

Road Access: West of minor road, 3⁄4 mile West of Gilsland.
Bicycle Access: Find this site on The National Cycle.
Parking: Charged car parking is available at Birdoswald Roman Fort, approximately a 15-20 minute walk away. The fee is refunded to visitors and members who visit Birdoswald.