MALTON (Derventio)		Quality of Remains
		Ease of Access
		Atmosphere & Setting

History:

The site of Derventio (Glade of the Oak) was first occupied as a temporary fort by a vexillation of the Fourteenth Legion in the late 60s AD during their advance through the territory of the Brigantes and the Parisi. This temporary fortress was abandoned in 70 AD when the Legion was withdrawn from Britain. The fort now found on the site dates from the early second century and appears to have been occupied until the withdrawal of Roman command from Britain, possibly due to the fort's nature as a centre of industry (particularly pottery) supplying York. Many potteries have been found in the close area.

Occupation:

Malton was home to an Ala of auxiliary cavalry, as is evidenced by inscriptions found on the site. The gentle terrain of the area suits cavalry and the area had a strong infantry base at York. A Gaulish Ala called Picentiana (which may be a reference to a former commander) were based here. Indeed, further inscriptions throughout the life of the fort continue to refer to cavalry until the late fourth or fifth century, when the garrison is either replaced or augmented with a unit of uncertain nature from Petuaria (Brough on Humber).

Remains and Visit:

There is no stonework visible at Malton and the fort ramparts and ditches, though visible, are less well defined than examples such as Birrens or Carrawburgh. Still, it is possible to trace the outlines of much of the fort and the dips representing the gates. The beauty of Malton lies in visiting the fort site and then the museum in the town centre, which is an excellent example of a local Roman museum.

Images:

East rampart	Defensive ditches	South rampart