Milecastle 42, Roman military fortification on Hadrian's Wall in Northumberland, England
Milecastle 42 stands on a steep south-facing slope near Cawfield Crags, measuring 17.8 meters east-west by 14.4 meters north-south with thick stone walls.
The Legio II Augusta constructed this milecastle in 122 AD as part of Emperor Hadrian's defensive system marking the northern frontier of Roman Britain.
Archaeological excavations in 1847 and 1936 revealed dedication slabs and architectural features that demonstrate Roman military construction techniques and garrison life.
Visitors can access the site from the Cawfields Picnic Area car park along the Hadrian's Wall Path, with clear signage from the B6318 Military Road.
The milecastle's Type I gateway design and positioning near Hole Gap made it a strategic observation point for monitoring movement between the Roman and northern territories.
Part of: Hadrian's Wall
GPS coordinates: 54.99399,-2.44583
Latest update: March 3, 2025 11:35
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