Hadrian's Wall

Walking the wall at Birdoswald Hadrian's Wall is the most important monument built by the Romans in Britain. It stretches seventy-three miles from Wallsend near Newcastle, across the neck of England to the Solway in North West Cumbria, and stands today as a reminder of the past glories of one of the world's greatest empires. It was built in the 120's AD and because it was not an impenetrable barrier, Milecastles (small guard posts) were built at one mile intervals. Two turrets (towers) were placed between each pair of milecastles, for observation. In front of the wall lay a ditch, except where the crags made it unneccessary. The wall crossed three rivers, and bridges were built.