NE corner of Melandra Castle Roman fort, Derbyshire, England, UK, looking W towards Mottram in Longdendale: shows position of NE corner tower (centre)
The NE corner of Melandra Castle Roman fort, Derbyshire, England, UK, looking W towards Mottram in Longdendale: shows the position of the NE corner tower (centre foreground) with the N wall running away to the rear R. Built around AD75 or 79, the earth & timber fort was placed in the border area between the British tribes of the Cornovii & the Brigantes. By AD108+ the original clay rampart had been reinforced with stone walls, central gateways & corner towers: the stone walls are masked by the accumulated earth banks. A defended civilian settlement outside the fort was in use from AD80 to AD140 when the fort was systematically dismantled: by then the area was considered peaceful enough not to require a garrison. The fort's name may have been Zerdotalia or Ardotalia, a British name meaning "a high point on the edge of a brow" or "the place of the high, dark [steep] hill". Etherow may also be an ancient British name. Celtic objects including stone heads have been recovered from the fort & the surrounding area where ancient folk customs continue, including the veneration of local water sources with flowers & greenery on May Day.
Size: 4970px × 3711px
Location: Melandra Castle Roman Fort, Gamesley, Glossop, Derbyshire, England, UK
Photo credit: © Mick Sharp / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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