In 1997 a five year programme of excavations started, concentrating on the Commanding Officer's residence in the 3rd and 4th century stone forts. The building is now completely excavated. This programme of excavations has resulted in a number of fascinating and important finds.

In 1997
Amongst the hypocast pillars of a late re-build in the Commanding Officer's residence was a part of a tombstone dedicated to a Vindolanda prefect 'killed in the war'. The style of the lettering and the formula for the text suggest a date for the tombstone early in Hadrian's reign, circa AD 119.

The 4th century building possessed an upper floor, with its east wall supported by three huge buttresses.

Beneath the Commanding Officer's residence more circular stone built huts were discovered dating to the reign of Septimius Severus. It appears that the normal fort buildings were removed in this period and the huts erected in their place - possibly to house hostages taken by the emperor from the tribes to the north of the Wall.

In 1998
Cutting through the courtyard of the late Commander's residence was an east/west orientated building with a west facing apsidal end. The layout of the structure and its early 5th century date suggest it could be an early Christian church and as such would be one of the earliest known churches in Britain.

A complete bronze votive lamp was found lying in a drain under the floor of a room in the Commandant's residence. The lamp is elaborately decorated so that its top represents a bull's head.

Perhaps the most important find from the entire building was a large Pagan altar to Jupiter. Dedicated to the local spirit of the house it was set up by the Commanding Officer. Among the many fine carvings on it, a figure reclining on a bench under some trees is most clear.