Arbeia South Shields Roman Fort

Arbeia South Shields Roman Fort is an ancient military base on England's east coast, with exposed foundations, barracks, and a reconstructed gateway revealing how the fort was laid out. The site was designed specifically for storing and moving grain supplies to other Roman posts in the north.

The fort was founded around 120 AD and served as a maritime supply station for the Roman army along Britain's border. For centuries it remained a vital hub for feeding distant military outposts.

The site museum displays objects from soldiers' daily lives, including weapons, tools, and personal items from across the Empire. These artifacts show who lived here and how diverse the people were at this remote frontier post.

The site is accessible via well-marked paths, allowing visitors to explore the main areas independently. The attached museum and displays help visitors understand how the space was organized.

Excavations revealed the largest Roman grain storage buildings ever found in Britain, showing the enormous scale of supplies moved from here. These structures demonstrate the site was far more than an ordinary fort.

Location: South Tyneside

Operator: Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums

Part of: Hadrian's Wall, North East Museums

Address: Baring Street, South Shields NE33 2BB

Website: https://arbeiaromanfort.org.uk

GPS coordinates: 55.00440,-1.43111

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:48