South Sheilds is a former coastal shipbuilding town in northeast England. A short distance inland from the South Shields seafront and just south of the River Tyne is the Arbeia Roman Fort. Arbeia is the most extensively excavated military supply base in the former Roman Empire. Today it is a mix of excavated foundations and reconstructed buildings alongside a museum with some amazing artefacts.
It sits on the edge of an early 20th century housing estate and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where the full-scale Roman reconstructions are reputed to be the best example in the country. The site showcases some of the most significant finds from the Roman occupation of Britain, particularly from the period after the construction of Hadrian’s Wall. At its peak Arbeia was a military supply depot supporting 17 forts along the length of Hadrian’s Wall and housed numerous granaries. The site was originally constructed around 125 AD.
The site was discovered in 1875 when farmland was sold off for the construction of housing. Although some of the footprint of the fort was built on the majority has been protected, excavated and exposed to the public. The quality of finds at the site initially caused archeologists to doubt their authenticity but later excavations have confirmed the quality and importance of the remains.
A Roman gatehouse, barracks buildings and the commanding officer’s house have been reconstructed on the original foundations.
Know Before You Go
Arbeia is open to the public from 25 March - 29 September 2024. Admission is free, donations are welcome.
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