Aldborough Roman Site

Aldborough Roman Site is an archaeological site in North Yorkshire showing the remains of a Roman town. The grounds preserve sections of stone walls, defensive towers, and two intact decorative floor mosaics from the ancient settlement.

The Romans founded this settlement in the second century as a military fort and administrative center to control the local Brigantes tribe. Over time, it evolved from a garrison town into a prosperous civilian settlement with stone buildings and thriving commerce.

The name reflects its Roman past as Isurium Brigantum, and the layout shows how a military camp transformed into a civilian town with residential districts. Walking through the site reveals traces of how people organized their daily lives within this frontier settlement.

The site is open to visitors and managed by English Heritage, with clear signage to help you navigate the different areas. Well-maintained paths wind through the ruins, though sturdy footwear is recommended, especially in wet conditions.

The surviving mosaics feature geometric patterns made with red, white, and blue stone tiles crafted by Roman artisans working in this remote northern location. An underground amphitheater lay hidden until 2011 when modern scanning techniques revealed it, suggesting much remains undiscovered beneath the surface.

Website: https://english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/aldborough-roman-site/history

GPS coordinates: 54.09080,-1.38160

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:52