Milecastle 49

Milecastle 49 is a small Roman fortification on Hadrian's Wall in northern England with visible stone and earthwork foundations. The structure was built with ramparts and wooden gateway structures to create a compact military post.

The fortification was built around 122 CE under Emperor Hadrian as part of an ambitious frontier defense program. It was one of roughly 80 smaller posts positioned evenly across the new barrier.

Roman soldiers stationed here watched over the movement of people and trade goods crossing the frontier zone. The garrison was part of a larger system designed to monitor and manage activity along the entire wall.

The site is located near Birdoswald and is accessible via walking paths in the area. Informational signage helps visitors understand the remains and the purpose of the Roman frontier system.

Archaeological work here uncovered evidence of original wooden structures and military artifacts that offer rare insights into how soldiers lived at the post. These findings reveal practical details about daily life in a remote Roman garrison.

Part of: Hadrian's Wall

Website: https://english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/harrows-scar-milecastle-and-wall-hadrians-wall

GPS coordinates: 54.99080,-2.59499

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:06