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Bampton in Devon |
The Roman Army in Bampton
The Roman fort was on the outskirts of the town, and its site in farmland is a scheduled and protected ancient monument.
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On the left is an intriguing aerial photograph (thanks to John Record for this) which shows crop marks in a field on the outskirts of Bampton. Half the outline of the fort can be seen in the yellowish crop - and maybe less distinct marks in the grass on the right of the hedge line. It is also possible to see parts of Roman roads and trackways through the fort. The date of the photo is unknown - it would be terrific to find out more with modern archeological technology. |
The small fort may have looked something like the one shown on the right which is at Elginhaugh in Scotland. The inside of the defences is approximately 100m square. |
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There is further evidence of the presence of Romans in the Bampton area: Roman 4th century and early 2nd century coins were found in a garden in Frog Street along with an eastern Mediterranean coin of around AD300. A Roman coin and a piece of jewelry were found not far from the Motte, both second century AD. More Roman coins were found in the river by the bridge in 1914. Whether they were dropped by Romans or non-Roman locals is unknown, but yes, the Romans were here! |
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The Bampton Roman Coins Second century AD Hemidrachm, a silver coin. 1st year of Hadrian
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Second century AD As, a copper coin. Faustina the younger The coins are small, only about 1.5 cm across. |
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It seems very likely too that the Romans (a well-organised bunch) may have been the first to quarry the local stone - building the small fort, building roads, they would be unlikely to overlook the plentiful supply of suitable material available all around Bampton.