Milecastle 52, Roman fortification at Bankshead, England
Milecastle 52 is a Roman fortification positioned along Hadrian's Wall at Bankshead. This station served as a checkpoint to monitor activity along the defensive line and provide shelter for stationed soldiers.
The site was constructed as part of Hadrian's Wall, a major defensive project initiated in the 2nd century. Archaeological work in the 1930s revealed evidence of an earlier structure that existed on the Turf Wall phase.
Two altars dedicated to the deity Cocidius were found at the site in 1808, including one inscribed by soldiers of the Twentieth Legion.
The site is now buried beneath Bankshead House and its garden, so there is limited visible above ground. Its location along the wall route can be understood by noting its position between the two neighboring milecastles on either side.
Pike Hill Signal Tower, a structure positioned to the east, was built before Hadrian's Wall and the later wall was constructed around it. This shows how the wall project adapted to existing military installations.
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