Photographs of Chesters Fort

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The Roman fort on Hadrian's Wall at Chesters (Cilurnum) marks the point where the Wall crossed the River North Tyne. Built just after the wall was completed in AD 123, it is the best preserved Roman Cavalry Fort in Britain.
Chesters Roman Fort consisted of a rectangular stone outer wall with curved corners, surrounded by a deep outer ditch. On each side there was a double entrance gate. The west, north and eastern gates opened out to the northern side of the wall, with the southern gate opening out to the more secure south side. Internally, Chesters followed a standard layout. Roads entered through the four gates and met in the centre of the fort. This is where the main Headquarters building (the Principia) was. The commandant's house was on one side and two large granaries on the other. Immediately to the front and rear of these buildings would have been stables and various workshops. Behind them were barrack blocks. Outside of the main fort was the bath house. This is one of the more complete bath houses to be found.