Castra Vindolanda

Castra Vindolanda is a Roman fort featuring ruins of barracks, storage buildings, administrative structures, and workshops built from stone and timber. The site displays multiple construction phases as it was repeatedly rebuilt to strengthen its defensive capabilities.

The fort was built around 85 CE, roughly 50 years before Hadrian's Wall, and served as a strategic military post. It underwent nine major reconstructions before being abandoned in the late fourth century as Roman forces withdrew.

The Vindolanda tablets reveal personal letters and daily records written by soldiers stationed here, offering glimpses into their private thoughts and concerns. These wooden documents show what mattered to ordinary people living in a remote Roman garrison.

The site is best explored on foot, with a museum housing thousands of excavated finds and regular demonstrations showing how excavations are conducted. Visitors can take breaks at a café and shop located on the grounds between exploring different areas.

Only roughly one quarter of the fort has been excavated so far, with new discoveries made each year. The waterlogged soil conditions have preserved organic materials like leather, textiles, and wood in remarkable condition.

Location: Northumberland

Operator: Vindolanda Trust (Charity No. 1159798 Company No. 9182268)

Address: Hexham NE47 7JN

Phone: 01434344277

Website: https://vindolanda.com

GPS coordinates: 54.99138,-2.36026

Latest update: December 14, 2025 19:21