Binchester Roman Fort "Vinovia"

Can you imagine in 1815 strolling across a field with your horse and cart and then disappearing into a crater that had just appeared and landing in a Roman bath house! This is how Binchester Roman Fort was discovered.

The ruins did not fare well under the early 19th-century occupants of Binchester Hall. In 1828:

The site has been explored, and excavations have unearthed military buildings and 2 bath houses.

The fort was originally called Vinovia and constructed from wood in AD 70-80. The purpose was to curb the local Brigantes rebels shenanigans.

The Romans built here because it was on high land adjacent the famous Dere Street that traversed northwards from York and the site was in the snug of the curvaceous River Wear. You can still see parts of Dere Street around this fort.

The Romans had to excavate the top of this land to produce a flat 21 acre site. It housed 2,000 fine soldiers and their horses. Two of the auxiliary units had originally come from Spain, and The Netherlands.

Circa AD 158 they built it again, in stone this time, it was smaller, and housed 1,000 cavalry soldiers and their horses. In the 5th century the Romans had gone.

My one word to explain the Romans would be order. The castrums (forts) would be built throughout the Roman Empire to the same stamp. So when the military arrived they knew exactly where to go even in the dark of night.

The first part of Binchester Fort had Dere Street running through it, and access would have been restricted.

You can see the commander's quarters (praetorium), it was a large concern as befitting the boss, it had private quarters, kitchen and of course a communal bath (themae) house.

This bath house was heated by fires as there were no hot springs here. The heat was generated below the floor and was called a hypocaust. You can see the pillars of the underfloor system.

Much went on here, especially indulgence, which was synonymous with the Romans. They would exercise, eat, drink and play games in the company of friends, and family. Business, politics, and philosophy, could be discussed and plots schemed.

Somewhere on this site lies the Principia, the administrative centre. Typically, it would have offices for clerks, a large hall (basilica) and a shrine known as sacellum, and beneath it there could be an underground room where the legions' pay-chest was stored. Maybe they didn't take it with them when they left...

The big white tent at the far end has uncovered a huge public bath house right on the side of Dere Street. We had an archaeologist give an insightful talk about it.

A Huge excavation project had found this public bath house that had been buried. and it predates the other bath house. It was purposely built next to Dere Street. The walls were thick enough that it has stood ever since,

Alongside the bath house, the area became busy. These buildings lasted about 40 years. Dere Street needed resurfacing, and the stone from failed buildings was ideal to replenish the highway. However, the bath house stood strong due to its walls. As the level of Dere Street rose, the bath house became lower than the ground level. At first it meant a few steps down. Then it was decided to use a window for entrance.

When the bath house was no longer used after the 5th century, it was filled with rubbish, such as pottery and bones. This was a happy accident as it has preserved the walls.

Flooding may have become a problem later.

Many objects were found and require cataloguing before they can excavate more. I believe the cataloguing could take another 10 years!

The site is a Scheduled Monument and is now part of the Auckland Project who have made some welcome changes, like adding loos!

My thanks to Lorraine another Fabulous North poster girl for her additional photographs.

The area is very close to the Bishop Auckland attraction 'Kynren' and you can peek at the 11 arches.

A Roman walks into a bar and sticks up two fingers and asks for 5 beers!