Q: By Train

Vindolanda - The nearest rail station is Bardon Mill. Connections can be made from Carlisle in the West and at Newcastle-upon-Tyne in the East. For more information and on-line booking you can contact www.thetrainline.com or Travel Line: 0870 608 2608 or National Rail Enquiry Line: 08457 484950 Roman Army Museum - The nearest rail station is Haltwhistle. Connections can be made from Carlisle in the West and at Newcastle-upon-Tyne in the East. For more information and on-line booking you can contact www.thetrainline.com or Travel Line: 0870 608 2608 or National Rail Enquiry Line: 08457 484950

Q: By Bus

Vindolanda - Local Bus - Newcastle - Carlisle (via Haltwhistle and Hexham) (685/85) nearest stop at Bardon Mill or connect to Hadrian's Wall Bus at Hexham or Haltwhistle. Hadrian's Wall Bus also travels from Newcastle to Carlisle stopping at sites along the Wall. For more information contact www.hadrianwallcountry.co.uk or Hexham Tourist information on (01434) 652220 or National Parks Visitor Centre on (01434) 344777/344396. Roman Army Museum - Local Bus - Newcastle - Carlisle (via Haltwhistle and Hexham) (685/85) nearest stop at Greenhead or connect to Hadrian's Wall Bus at Hexham or Haltwhistle. Hadrian's Wall Bus also travels from Newcastle to Carlisle stopping at sites along the Wall. For more information contact www.hadrianswallcountry.co.uk or Hexham Tourist information on (01434) 652220 or National Parks Visitor Centre on (01434) 344777/344396. Hadrian's Wall Bus - AD122 - Runs seasonally please see link for times and prices

Q: By Car

Roman Vindolanda Fort & Museum A69: Leave following signs for Vindolanda (near Village of Bardon Mill). Circa 13 miles from Hexham, Circa 35 miles from Newcastle-upon-Tyne (A1), Circa 35 Miles from Carlisle (M6). Alternative Scenic Route: Vindolanda can also be reached from the B6318. If you are using at Sat Nav, please use NE47 7JN as our postcode, however, please use the road signs to Vindolanda when you are in the local area to take you to our main entrance. Or use the google link below to take you directly to our main entrance. Roman Vindolanda on Google Maps Roman Army Museum & Magna Fort A69: Leave following signs for Roman Army Museum (near village of Greenhead). Circa 20 miles from Hexham, Circa 42 miles from Newcastle-upon-Tyne (A1), Circa 28 Miles from Carlisle (M6). Alternative Scenic Route: Roman Army Museum can also be reached from the B6318. If you are using at Sat Nav, please use CA8 7JB as our postcode, however, please use the road signs to The Roman Army Museum when you are in the local area to take you to our main entrance. Roman Army Museum on Google Maps

Q: On Foot

Roman Vindolanda Fort & Museum - Accessible from Bardon Mill by public footpaths and bridleways and is only a short detour if walking the Wall. Roman Army Museum - Situated on the line of the Wall, this makes a convenient and informative stop between Greenhead and Walltown Quarry. For more information - Hexham Tourist information on (01434) 652220 or National Parks Visitor Centre on +44 (0)1434 344777/344396 or contact the Vindolanda Trust at info@vindolanda.com or on +44 (0)1434 344277. All Vindolanda and Roman Army Museum facilities are reserved for visitors only.

Q: What to the Romans would have been the most important building at Vindolanda?

The Principia or headquarters building would have been the most important building for the Romans. This was where all the official documents would have been kept, the armoury may have been here, it's where the high-ranking officals would have had their offices. It is also where the soldiers pay was kept in a room called the strong room, which was sunken into the floor and had double thick walls. Just outside of the strong room would have been the chapel of the standards, where the units standards and a image of the current Emperor would have sat. These would all have need strong protection and thus the headquarters is usually built first and built into the middle of the fort so it is protected on all sides.

Question 1

Travel Between Sites

Accepted Answer

Below are instructions on travelling between our two sites, Roman Vindolanda and the Roman Army Museum.

On Foot/ By Bike

Links to Google maps for the below options.

Vindolanda to Roman Army Museum
ROUTE 1: Along Hadrians Wall - 7.7 miles undulating walk - Approx 3 hours, depending on weather conditions.

Vindolanda to Roman Army Museum - Wall Walk

ROUTE 2: Military road ( Cycle option ) - Approx 7 miles ( 45 minutes Cycle) - This can be a busy road and a more cycle friendly option would be to reverse Roman Army Museum to Vindolanda Option 2

Cycle route - Vindolanda to Roman Army Museum on Military road

Roman Army Museum to Vindolanda
ROUTE 1: Along Hadrians Wall - 7.7 miles undulating walk - Approx 3 hours, depending on weather conditions.

Roman Army Museum to Vindolanda Walk - Along the Wall via Sycamore Gap

ROUTE 2: Longer Walk, however good cycle option off busier roads. 9.1 miles - Approx 3 hours walking / 1 hour cycle.

Roman Army Museum to Vindolanda (Via Haltwhistle)

By Bus

See AD122 timetable for bus link between the two sites. The bus is seasonal.

Need a taxi?

Ecocabs has a fleet of 4/6 seater taxis and they are 100% electric or hybrid petrol.

By Car

Vindolanda to Roman Army Museum
ROUTE 1: From the exit of the fort, turn left and make your way to A69. Travel west along A69 to Greenhead.
ROUTE 2: From the exit of the fort, turn right and make your way to Roman road running parallel to the Wall. At the T-junction turn left and travel west along the Wall to Greenhead.

Roman Army Museum to Vindolanda
ROUTE 1: From the exit of the museum, turn right and make your way to A69. Travel east along A69 looking for brown sign post on left to 'Vindolanda'.
ROUTE 2: From the exit of the museum, turn left and make your way to Roman road running parallel to the Wall.
Travel east along the Wall looking for brown sign post on right to 'Vindolanda'.

Question 2

By Train

Accepted Answer

Vindolanda - The nearest rail station is Bardon Mill. Connections can be made from Carlisle in the West and at Newcastle-upon-Tyne in the East. For more information and on-line booking you can contact www.thetrainline.com or Travel Line: 0870 608 2608 or National Rail Enquiry Line: 08457 484950

Roman Army Museum - The nearest rail station is Haltwhistle. Connections can be made from Carlisle in the West and at Newcastle-upon-Tyne in the East. For more information and on-line booking you can contact www.thetrainline.com or Travel Line: 0870 608 2608 or National Rail Enquiry Line: 08457 484950

Question 3

Electric Vehicle Information

Accepted Answer

The closest rapid charging station is at Hexham General Hospital and you can find a fast charger at Wentworth Car Park also in Hexham or Haltwhistle Railway Station. There are standard charging points in the car parks at the Sill, Housesteads Roman Fort, Cawfields and Walltown (next to the Roman Army Museum).

For directions to our sites when driving please see by car tab.

Question 4

By Bus

Accepted Answer

Vindolanda - Local Bus - Newcastle - Carlisle (via Haltwhistle and Hexham) (685/85) nearest stop at Bardon Mill or connect to Hadrian's Wall Bus at Hexham or Haltwhistle. Hadrian's Wall Bus also travels from Newcastle to Carlisle stopping at sites along the Wall. For more information contact www.hadrianwallcountry.co.uk or Hexham Tourist information on (01434) 652220 or National Parks Visitor Centre on (01434) 344777/344396.

Roman Army Museum - Local Bus - Newcastle - Carlisle (via Haltwhistle and Hexham) (685/85) nearest stop at Greenhead or connect to Hadrian's Wall Bus at Hexham or Haltwhistle. Hadrian's Wall Bus also travels from Newcastle to Carlisle stopping at sites along the Wall. For more information contact www.hadrianswallcountry.co.uk or Hexham Tourist information on (01434) 652220 or National Parks Visitor Centre on (01434) 344777/344396.

Hadrian's Wall Bus - AD122 - Runs seasonally please see link for times and prices

Question 5

By Car

Accepted Answer

Roman Vindolanda Fort & Museum

A69: Leave following signs for Vindolanda (near Village of Bardon Mill). Circa 13 miles from Hexham, Circa 35 miles from Newcastle-upon-Tyne (A1), Circa 35 Miles from Carlisle (M6).

Alternative Scenic Route: Vindolanda can also be reached from the B6318. If you are using at Sat Nav, please use NE47 7JN as our postcode, however, please use the road signs to Vindolanda when you are in the local area to take you to our main entrance. Or use the google link below to take you directly to our main entrance.

Roman Vindolanda on Google Maps

Roman Army Museum & Magna Fort

A69: Leave following signs for Roman Army Museum (near village of Greenhead). Circa 20 miles from Hexham, Circa 42 miles from Newcastle-upon-Tyne (A1), Circa 28 Miles from Carlisle (M6).

Alternative Scenic Route: Roman Army Museum can also be reached from the B6318. If you are using at Sat Nav, please use CA8 7JB as our postcode, however, please use the road signs to The Roman Army Museum when you are in the local area to take you to our main entrance.

Roman Army Museum on Google Maps

Question 6

By Pedal Bike

Accepted Answer

Many of our visitors arrive on bike as part of their journey along the Hadrian's Cycleway. Hadrian's Cycleway is a 170-mile exploration into Britain’s past. As well as magnificent coastal views and breathtaking countryside you’ll see the famous wall itself, Roman forts and museums, quaint villages and attractive market towns, all set in a World Heritage Site. For more information visit Sustrans.

At both our attractions we have cycle parking adjacent to the entrances.

At Roman Vindolanda (West Entrance) we have a solar powered e-bike charging shelter. So you can park and charge while you visit.

Question 7

On Foot

Accepted Answer

Roman Vindolanda Fort & Museum - Accessible from Bardon Mill by public footpaths and bridleways and is only a short detour if walking the Wall.

Roman Army Museum - Situated on the line of the Wall, this makes a convenient and informative stop between Greenhead and Walltown Quarry.

For more information - Hexham Tourist information on (01434) 652220 or National Parks Visitor Centre on +44 (0)1434 344777/344396 or contact the Vindolanda Trust at info@vindolanda.com or on +44 (0)1434 344277. All Vindolanda and Roman Army Museum facilities are reserved for visitors only.

Question 8

How did the Romans get fresh water?

Accepted Answer

There are lots of fresh water springs at Vindolanda towards the west of the site. The Romans used these and built water tanks to store the water and stone aqueducts to move the water across the site. They also used wooden water pipes to move water underground rather than on the surface. When the archaeologists excavate them today they are often still running! To learn more read our water pipes blog.

Question 9

What to the Romans would have been the most important building at Vindolanda?

Accepted Answer

The Principia or headquarters building would have been the most important building for the Romans. This was where all the official documents would have been kept, the armoury may have been here, it's where the high-ranking officals would have had their offices. It is also where the soldiers pay was kept in a room called the strong room, which was sunken into the floor and had double thick walls. Just outside of the strong room would have been the chapel of the standards, where the units standards and a image of the current Emperor would have sat. These would all have need strong protection and thus the headquarters is usually built first and built into the middle of the fort so it is protected on all sides.

Question 10

What do you find the most often when excavating?

Accepted Answer

The most common find at Vindolanda and on most Roman sites is pottery. It was used by everyone, it doesn't degrade easily in the ground and a lot of it was one use only like amphorae for transportation that would have been thrown away when empty.

Question 11

Why is Vindolanda to the south of Hadrian’s Wall?

Accepted Answer

The first Vindolanda fort was built almost 40 years before the Wall was constructed and was part of an earlier frontier system called the Stanegate Frontier. Stanegate forts, forming part of this defensive system, were Magna (Carvoran) and Coria (Corbridge). With the building of Hadrian’s Wall these Stanegate forts were amalgamated into the new defensive system.

Question 12

Why are the artefacts at Vindolanda found in such good condition?

Accepted Answer

A combination of factors aid the preservation and superb condition of the finds. The main aid is that the ground has anaerobic conditions, which means that there is no oxygen in the pre-Hadrianic excavation layers. Roman builders spread clay and turf over demolished buildings before starting new building programmes on a previously used site. This effectively ‘capped’ the underlying layer preserving everything left beneath it. Artefacts like leather, wood, textiles and writing tablets and metal objects survive in near perfect condition. After conservation they are stabilized and ready for research and display. At the higher Vindolanda levels the conditions are not anaerobic. The organic finds do not survive at this level and metals are highly corroded due to the presence of oxygen and bacteria.

Question 13

Who was stationed at Vindolanda?

Accepted Answer

PERIOD	DATE	GARRISON	MODERN COUNTRIES
I	c. AD 85 - 95	Coh. I Tungrorum	Belgium
II	AD 95 -100	Coh. VIIII Batavorum	Netherlands
III	AD 100 - 105	Coh. VIIII Batavorum	Netherlands
IV	AD 105 - c. 120	Coh. I Tungrorum	Belgium
V	AD 120 - c.130	Coh. I Tungrorum	Belgium
VI	c.AD 140 -160’s	Coh II Nerviorum	Northern France
VIA	c. AD 160’s -200	Garrison unknown
VIB	c. AD 200 - 212	Garrison unknown
VII	c. AD 213 - 300	Coh IV Gallorum	France
VIII	AD 300 - 367	Coh IV Gallorum	France
IX	Post AD 367	Garrison Unknown
X	Post AD 410

Question 14

Who used the bathhouse?

Accepted Answer

All of the inhabitant of the Roman Fort would have been able to use the bath house. We find evidence of women and children. Best example is the small baby shoe in the bath house.

Question 15

Where were the tablets found? What are they made of? Where can they be seen?

Accepted Answer

The tablets are found on floor surfaces and pits in the Vindolanda pre-Hadrianic excavation levels. It is possible that any Vindolanda building of this date may have a discarded tablet lying in it. The remains of a major bonfire was discovered in the road outside the commander’s house in period III, AD97 to 105. The bonfire contained the charred remains of around 300 writing tablets. They were mainly the correspondence of the Commanding Officer, Flavius Cerialis. It is possible they were being burned before the garrison left to fight in the Dacian wars. The tablets are made of specially prepared birch and alder wood and the ink writing covers one surface with the address on the opposite side. They are about the size of a modern postcard and about 1mm thick. The tablets are conserved and photographed, with infrared photography, at Vindolanda. After initial research they are then sent to The British Museum in London for specialist storage. Vindolanda’s Museum has a comprehensive display about including 9 fascinating tablets on loan from the British Museum.

Question 16

Where was coinage minted?

Accepted Answer

From all parts of the empire depending on the time period. Lots from Trier, Rome and even a few from London.

Question 17

Where is the Wall? Where is a good viewpoint of Hadrian’s Wall? Can you drive up to Hadrian’s Wall?

Accepted Answer

The closest section of Hadrian’s Wall is about one mile north of the site as the crow flies. I would suggest visiting Steel Rigg, Cawfields or if you've purchased a ticket to the Roman Army Museum, you are right next to Walltown Crags which is one of the highest standing sections of Hadrian’s Wall. At Banks, to the west of Birdoswald the Wall is very close to the road.

Question 18

Where did the name Britannia come from?

Accepted Answer

The Romans referred to the imperial province as Britannia, which eventually comprised all of the island of Great Britain south of the fluid frontier with Caledonia (Scotland). Before the Roman invasion, begun in AD 43, Iron Age Britain already had established cultural and economic links with Continental Europe, but the Roman invaders introduced new developments in agriculture, urbanization, industry and architecture. Besides the native British record of the initial Roman invasion, Roman historians generally mention Britannia only in passing. Thus, most knowledge of Roman Britain has derived from archaeological investigations, and the epigraphic evidence lauding the Britannic achievements of an Emperor of Rome, such as Hadrian (r. AD 117–38) and Antoninus Pius (r. AD 138–61), whose walls demarcated the northern borders of Roman Britain.

Question 19

Where did all the food needed come from?

Accepted Answer

Depending on the goods, much was grown locally. There is evidence from the tablets of a varied diet, including things like apples and Celtic beer. Evidence for a variety of meat including pork, venison, beef, chicken and even swans. Also imports like wine, fish sauce, olive oil and even pepper.

Question 20

When was Vindolanda first excavated?

Accepted Answer

The Reverend Anthony Hedley excavated at the site in the 1830’s and built the cottage of Chesterholm which is now the museum building. The first more scientific excavations were carried out by Eric Birley in the 1930's. The Vindolanda Trust was established in 1970 with the aim of excavating the Vindolanda site for the education of the public and since then have continuously excavated the site for almost 50 years.

Question 21

What were the walls and roofs of buildings made of?

Accepted Answer

This depends on the building and the date it was built. In the early timber forts the walls were made with wattle and daub which is a wooden frame with clay and mud. The roofs were probably thatched. In the later forts the walls are stone with slated roofs. Some buildings would also just have stone foundations and timber uppers. Thatched roofs would also be common in the later forts.

Question 22

What was the expected length of service for a Roman soldier?

Accepted Answer

Legionaries and auxiliaries signed up for 25 years – marines in the fleet for 26 years. If a soldier was a valued specialist, he might receive an extension to his length of service.

Question 23

What sort of signalling systems did the Romans use?

Accepted Answer

There were signal towers on Hadrian’s Wall which the Romans used to signal the other forts. The closest to Vindolanda was on Barcombe hill behind the fort.

Question 24

What is the most valuable thing you can find on an excavation?

Accepted Answer

‘Value’ to an archaeologist or historian has nothing to do with money, and the answer to the question depends on what kind of information is required. It might be an inscription on the stone, recording a previously unknown regiment or Governor of Britain, or evidence for the worship of a new god. At Vindolanda the most prized of all finds are the writing tablets as these rare Roman records give a unique insight into the thoughts of Vindolanda’s Roman inhabitants.

Question 25

What does Vindolanda mean and how do you know that is what the Romans called this fort?

Accepted Answer

Vindolanda means white lawns or white fields. We know that the Roman name for the fort was Vindolanda because of an altar set up by the civilians at Vindolanda to the god Vulcan which was found during drainage works in 1914. The altar is on display in the Vindolanda museum. The name Vindolanda has also been discovered on some of the writing tablets.

Question 26

What did the surrounding landscape look like when the Romans arrived in this part of Britain?

Accepted Answer

Similar to what it looks like now.

Question 27

Were people living here before the fort was built? What would the local people have been doing?

Accepted Answer

There is evidence of an Iron Age hillfort on Barcombe Hill behind the site and we know there were people here. We have not found any evidence of inhabitants before the Romans on the fort site but we do have 9 forts on top of each other and it becomes very difficult to get down to those first levels. The local people would have mixed which the Roman, some adopting their customs and trading with them.

Question 28

Was spelt wheat grown around here?

Accepted Answer

Yes as well as barley

Question 29

Was it a lonely life for the soldiers of the Wall?

Accepted Answer

Far from it! There were probably more civilians living in the Wall zone than soldiers, and many were the families of the serving soldiers. As time went on, large numbers of the soldier’s sons would have joined up in their local regiments.

Question 30

Journey times on roman roads and postal systems?

Accepted Answer

Two postal services were available under the empire, one public and one private. The Cursus publicus, founded by Augustus, carried the mail of officials by relay throughout the Roman road system. The vehicle for carrying mail was a cisium with a box, but for special delivery, a horse and rider was faster. One reference states that a relay of horses could carry a letter 800 km in 24 hours. The postman wore a characteristic leather hat, the petanus. The postal service was a somewhat dangerous occupation, as postmen were a target for bandits and enemies of Rome. Private mail of the well-to-do was carried by tabellarii, an organization of slaves available for a price.

Question 31

Is there much of Hadrian’s Wall and the Roman Frontier left to excavate?

Accepted Answer

Little more than 5% of the Roman remains in the North have been examined so far and excavations will probably still be in progress in 200 years time! Excavation is a slow and expensive process, but modern archaeology and advanced techniques reveal far more about Roman life than was previously possible.

Question 32

How much did a soldier earn in a week/month?

Accepted Answer

Depending on the time, legionaries get basic 300 denarii a year, auxiliary slightly less, cavalrymen slightly more. As you move up ranks you receive more pay. Centurions are on 4,500 denarii per year.

Question 33

How many men were in a legion? How many in a cohort?

Accepted Answer

5000 men = Legion
480 men = Cohort

Question 34

How many legionary soldiers were stationed on the Wall?

Accepted Answer

Very few – the garrisons in the forts were nearly all auxiliary soldiers – infantry, cavalry and specialist troops like the Syrian archers at Carvoran. After building was completed, the legionary soldiers retired to their bases at Chester, Caerleon and York.

Question 35

How long did people live?

Accepted Answer

Depending on the time, occupation and wealth. The average for women in Roman Britain was 28. 52 for men.

Question 36

How long did it take to build the fort?

Accepted Answer

The standard answer to this is about 2 years in stone, quicker if the fort was built in wood but the outer defences would have been constructed first and then the internal building would take place.

Question 37

How large was the Roman Army?

Accepted Answer

The numbers varied, but roughly half a million men served at most times in the army throughout the Empire – and Britain had more troops than any other province.

Question 38

How did the Roman buildings become covered in grass?

Accepted Answer

At the end of the Roman occupation the buildings were abandoned and eventually fell into disrepair. Windblown soil gradually started to cover collapsed buildings allowing grass and weeds to establish themselves and grow over the remains.

Question 39

How did the men from Italy cope with Britain’s awful weather?

Accepted Answer

Probably not very well, but only a tiny percentage of Roman soldiers serving in Britain came from Italy. The majority originated from the Netherlands, Belgium, France and Spain. It is also now thought that the climate in Britain at the time was a little warmer - and wetter – than it is today.

Question 40

Did the soldiers have slaves?

Accepted Answer

Yes, some did. It was dependent of their socioeconomic status. Higher ranking officer would have had slaves.We have evidence of slaves at Vindolanda from the Ink Writing Tablets.

Question 41

Did soldiers return to the mainland once they had finished their military service?

Accepted Answer

It all depends on the soldier and on where he came from there is evidence of both. Sometimes they had been away from their birth place for so long and they had married a local woman and so therefore wanted to stay where they were. Some soldiers were also given their pension in land and would settle their upon retirement. Often soldiers would settle together creating colonies.

Question 42

Could the soldiers speak, read and write Latin?

Accepted Answer

Latin was the official language of the army and evidence from the Vindolanda writing tablets suggests that the soldiers could write in Latin very well. In later years, and especially in the 4th century, standards declined.

Question 43

Can anyone come along and dig at Vindolanda?

Accepted Answer

As part of our research excavation we welcome volunteers from all backgrounds and countries, as long as you are over 17 years if age (17 years old must be accompanied by an adult) and physically fit. More information is available in our excavate section.

Question 44

Are all Roman forts built to the same plan?

Accepted Answer

Although all had similar headquarters buildings, commanding officers residence, granaries and workshops, cavalry forts were much larger than those of the infantry, providing more space for cavalrymen and their horses. Only the largest forts had hospitals. The smallest Wall forts occupy little more than 3 acres – the largest was 11 acres.

Question 45

Did the Romans use slave labour to build the Wall?

Accepted Answer

No, the Wall was built by the skilled Roman legionary masons, with thousands of auxiliary soldiers providing the labour and bringing the vital building supplies to the construction areas.

Question 46

How long was Hadrian’s Wall?

Accepted Answer

When completed, nearly 74 English miles long, or 80 Roman miles, but with an extension of the system (without a physical Wall) down the Western coast for a further 40 miles. Hadrian’s Wall stretches from Wallsend in the east, through Newcastle-upon-Tyne and westwards to Bowness on Solway in Cumbria with the extension travelling to Maryport on the Cumbrian coast.

Question 47

Why did Hadrian build the Wall?

Accepted Answer

His biographer said that it was to separate the Romans from the Barbarians. Hadrian built frontiers all over the Roman Empire, largely to demonstrate that there was to be no further Roman expansion.

Question 48

Vindolanda and the Romans FAQs

Accepted Answer

We have collected here some of the most frequently asked questions about Vindolanda, Hadrian's Wall and the Romans in northern England.

Question 49

Places to stay and services 1

Accepted Answer

etc.