Richborough Roman Fort, Roman fort and archaeological site in Ash, England
Richborough Roman Fort is a Roman military installation established around 43 AD in southeast England, situated roughly a mile from the former shoreline of the Wantsum Channel. The remains feature towering stone walls several meters high arranged in the characteristic square pattern of a Roman fort, with clear traces of internal structures and defensive positions still visible today.
Construction began immediately following the Roman invasion of Britain in 43 AD, serving as the critical beachhead for military operations and administration. The settlement evolved into a major trading hub and port before Roman withdrawal from the region in the late 4th century.
The fort served as a gateway where Roman culture and military authority first took hold in Britain, marking where occupation began to reshape the island's future. Visitors can sense how this location was instrumental in spreading Roman influence across the region.
The site is openly accessible and can be visited at any time, though access to the interior of the ruins is restricted and viewing is primarily from outside the perimeter. Wear comfortable footwear as the grounds are open terrain and weather can change rapidly throughout the day.
Once standing here was a remarkable four-story triumphal arch faced with Italian marble, reaching about 82 feet (25 meters) tall, which served as a grand gateway marking entry into Roman Britain. This unusual structure was among the most striking monuments built during the early Roman occupation and today only its foundations remain.
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