Milefortlet 1

Milefortlet 1 is a Roman fortification on the Cumbrian coast with stone foundations and defensive structures still visible today. The remains display the military engineering approach used to protect and monitor this section of the frontier.

The site was built in 122 AD under Emperor Hadrian's command as part of a broader system protecting Roman Britain's northern frontier. It served as the starting point of a chain of coastal defense posts along this coastline.

The site demonstrates Roman military engineering methods through its strategic placement and architectural elements, representing standard fortification designs of the second century.

The site is accessible on foot from Bowness via marked pathways and can be visited year-round. The remains are compact, allowing for a relatively quick visit to observe the layout and structures.

The fortification stands as the first in a sequence of coastal defense posts, marking the beginning point of the Roman frontier defenses along the Cumbrian coast.

Location: Bowness

Part of: borders of the Roman Empire, Hadrian's Wall

GPS coordinates: 54.94610,-3.23599

Latest update: December 9, 2025 20:27