Reculver

RECULVER

(Regulbium)

Quality of Remains

Ease of Access

Atmosphere & Setting

History:

The latin name of Reculver (Regulbium) means 'Great Headland', which describes its position well. There does not appear to have been an initial fort here, but a fortified signal station was constructed here in 43 AD as part of the bridgehead of the Claudian invasion. The signal station guarded the north end of the Wansum channel that separated the Isle of Thanet from the mainland and was a vital shipping route during the invasion. There is no evidence of occupation after around 65 AD, as from this time the south east was secure and settled, though there may have still been a lighthouse or signal station after that time yet to be found. In the late third century, the site was once more fortified, this time as part of the system of heavy fortresses that guarded the 'Saxon Shore' against raiders from across the North Sea and the English Channel. It may have been one of the first of these fortresses and was connected by road to Canterbury.

Occupation:

The only known garrison of Regulbium is noted in the Notitia Dignitatum as the 1st Cohort of Baetasians and it is likely that they were the garrison for the shore fort's entire life, possibly with extra support from the Legionary garrison of nearby Richborough.

Remains and Visit:

Though there are few signs of the great stone fort of Regulbium, Reculver is an impressive sight, standing on the edge of a great cliff. Almost half the fort has disappeared into the sea in the last few centuries, though the defences have been strengthened to prevent any further decay. There is a small stretch of stonework in the centre of the fort by the path that may be Roman, but may be otherwise. The east and south walls are visible for much of the circuit, including two gates in a bad state of preservation, but the walls consist only of the rubble core with no facing stones except the odd one at ground level. In the centre of the fort stand the ruins of a Saxon church which was largely demolished in the 19th Century leaving the two great towers as a shipping aid. Much of the area around the fort is a nature reserve and cliff walk.

Images:


Gate	East wall	Southeast Corner