Burgh Castle Roman Site

Burgh Castle is a Roman fortress in Norfolk whose three remaining walls reach up to 4.5 meters (15 feet) high and feature original defensive towers along their edges. The ruins spread across a large area and show the typical construction of a late Roman coastal fort with protective structures.

The fortress was built in the late 3rd century to protect the Roman coast from sea raiders and was part of a chain of defensive posts along the eastern shore. After the Romans withdrew, the site was later used by Christian communities.

The site shows signs of early Christian use that emerged from excavations, revealing how the fortress became a refuge after its Roman period ended. Visitors can observe how religious communities repurposed the abandoned walls for their own needs.

The site is freely accessible and offers simple paths for exploring the ruins, with the surroundings flat and open. Visitors should bring weather-resistant clothing as the location is near water and can be windy.

One of the four original walls has disappeared into the marshland of Breydon Water, giving the site an incomplete yet engaging appearance. This missing wall tells its own story of erosion and the passage of time.

Location: Burgh Castle

Part of: Burgh Castle Roman fort, vicus, pre-Conquest monastery and Norman motte and bailey castle

Website: https://english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/burgh-castle

GPS coordinates: 52.58260,1.65150

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:42