Banna

Banna is a Roman fort positioned on a triangular plateau bordered by cliffs that overlooks the River Irthing and the surrounding Cumbrian landscape. The site contains remains of military buildings, including barracks, storage facilities, and administrative structures from the Roman period.

The fort was founded around 112 AD and served as part of Rome's northern frontier defense system for more than three centuries. Archaeological evidence shows that occupation continued even after Roman withdrawal from the region.

The fort housed soldiers from across the empire who carried out daily duties and brought their families to this remote outpost. The layout of the structures reveals how life was organized within this military community.

Access to the fort follows well-marked paths across the elevated plateau, allowing visitors to explore the remains and take in the surrounding views. A visitor center nearby displays excavated items and information panels to help understand what you see on the ground.

Excavations in the late 1980s and early 1990s uncovered two large timber halls built hundreds of years after the Romans left. This discovery shows the plateau remained a gathering place of importance to later communities.

Location: Waterhead

Operator: English Heritage

Part of: Birdoswald Roman fort and the section of Hadrian's Wall and vallum between the River Irthing and the field boundaries east of milecastle 50

Website: https://english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/birdoswald-roman-fort-hadrians-wall

GPS coordinates: 54.98975,-2.60324

Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:03