Excavations of water pipes 2014, covered with sacking to protect from drying out.  

Fresh water was distributed to the fort and the village via wooden water pipes, usually made of alder, which were clamped by oak blocks.  These now often lie 4-5 metres below ground, and, when exposed, still run with water.  Other means of water management were stone lined open channels. 

A whole network of water pipes has been unearthed at Vindolanda. Pipes found on site are usually re-buried to preserve them. One waterpipe made from oak is on display in the Wooden Underworld exhibition at Vindolanda.

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Digging up memories - making connections

Listen to Chris talk about his fascination with the wooden water pipes excavated at Vindolanda and their amazing preservation.

Pat tells us about her abiding memories of the excavation of some water pipes.

Pat relates her holiday memories of tracing the Roman water supply from Uzès to Nîmes covering 33 kilometres through the varied landscape of France.

Listen to...

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Further information

Wonderful water pipes blog by Marta Alberti (Archaeologist)