Housesteads (Vercovicium)		Quality of Remains
		Ease of Access
		Atmosphere & Setting

History:

Vercovicium (or the 'Town on the slope') was constructed by the 2nd Augusta Legion and the 6th Victrix Legion in 128 AD as one of the range of forts added to Hadrian's wall during a secondary phase of planning. As such, the remains of one of the wall turrets that had to be demolished to make way for the fort can be seen by the north wall. Unusually, the fort was built on an east-west line, unlike the rest of the wall forts that are all north-south, likely due to the steep incline to the north. Hadrian's wall therefore continues on from the northeast and northwest corners of the fort. There were major rebuilding works around 198 AD, 296 AD and 367 AD. As is often the case, a vicus or civilian settlement grew up around the fort, in this case on terraced slopes to the south and east. Though the vicus thrived for a long time, in the late 4th century, when barbarian raids became common, the settlement was abandoned and the civilians were taken into the now seriously under-manned fort itself, with rebuilding of a number of internal buildings to accomodate them. The vicus seems to have been extensive, with a bath house, many shrines and temples and a great deal of agricultural and industrial activity.

Occupation:

The most unusual unit in Britain, the 1st Cohort of Hamian Archers, seem to have been based at Housesteads for a while. They are known to have been at Carvoran during the Hadrianic period and to have moved to the Antonine wall and back during its brief occupation. They may have been the garrison of Housesteads from some time before 180 AD until the fort was reconstructed. After this major rebuilding of 198 AD, the fort was occupied by the thousand-strong 1st Cohort of Tungri and, despite being supported by other units at times, there were still remnants of the unit here at the end of the Roman occupation. A formation of Frisian cavalry is attested here on an undated inscription, but may have been an additional support unit during the 3rd century and after. It is possible that this formation had been depleted to such an extent that they are the 'Company of Hnaudifridi' that are attested at Housesteads in the late 4th century.

Remains and Visit:

Housesteads is one of the most instructive and complete forts on the wall and is certainly the most impressive. Situated on the edge of a steep ridge, it's some distance walk from the car park. The remains mostly date to the 3rd and 4th centuries. The fort walls are uncovered to a good height and within lie the remains of the gates, headquarters building, commanding officer's house, granaries, hospital (a rarity in British forts equalled only on the wall at Wallsend) and several barrack blocks showing later changes. The astounding thing for which Housesteads is deservedly famous, is the southern fort latrines. These have survived remarkably well and are the best preserved in Britain. Entirely aside from the fort itself, the view at Housesteads is excellent.

Images:

South fort wall	The west gate	Hadrian's Wall	The granaries
Headquarters and granary wall	The hospital latrines	Hypocaust in the commander's house	Southern latrines	Aerial view & plan