Lactodurum

Lactodurum is a Roman settlement that lies beneath modern Towcester, containing remains of defensive walls, towers, and a surrounding ditch system. Archaeological finds are scattered throughout the town and can be explored through information panels.

The settlement started as a Roman military garrison and grew into a civilian town during the 2nd century. It was strategically positioned on Watling Street, a key road that connected London with North Wales.

The pottery and coins found here show that people made and traded goods at this location. These objects now rest in museums and tell the story of the busy commerce that once happened.

Visitors should allow time to explore the scattered information panels throughout the town, as there is no single central site to visit. Walking through different parts of Towcester gives you the best understanding of the settlement's layout.

The name Lactodurum combines Latin words referring to milk and fortress, suggesting the importance of dairy farming in the Roman region. This connection reveals that Romans recognized and named the settlement after the local agricultural focus.