Welcome to Milecastle 39, close to Steel Rigg and North East of Once Brewed. At this site, we’ll delve into the fascinating history of this Roman outpost, part of Hadrian’s Wall, and explore its unique features and the challenges faced by its garrison.
The role of milecastles
When Hadrian’s Wall was constructed, it was initially planned to have milecastles every Roman mile. These small garrisons housed troops who could project power either north or south. However, when Emperor Hadrian visited Northern Britain, he decided to enhance the wall’s defences by adding forts, while retaining the milecastles. Consequently, every Roman mile along the wall featured a milecastle, manned by a garrison of 8 to 38 troops.
What was Milecastle 39 used for?
Milecastle 39, like others along the wall, was designed to monitor local activity. Troops from nearby forts, such as Housesteads and Magna, would have been stationed here. Inside the milecastle, soldiers lived in barrack blocks and stabled horses for rapid communication. The gatehouse, topped by a tower, provided excellent visibility for monitoring the surroundings and signalling nearby forts.
Challenges of Milecastle 39’s location
Milecastle 39 faced unique challenges due to its location. Flanked by hills on both sides, the visibility from its tower was limited. Therefore, the turrets on the ridges provided the necessary vantage points for surveillance and signalling. Despite its strategic disadvantages, the Romans adhered to their system of building milecastles every Roman mile, ensuring Milecastle 39’s construction.
Adaptations over time
As the needs of the Roman Empire evolved, so did Milecastle 39. By the fourth century, the gateway had been partially bricked up, possibly for defensive reasons or due to a reduced garrison size. Additionally, the post-Roman period saw adaptations for accommodation, as we can see by the remains of structures built within the milecastle.
Daily life at Milecastle 39
Living at Milecastle 39 would have presented its own set of challenges. The steep drop and marshy land surrounding it made rapid deployment difficult, suggesting it wasn’t primarily used for troop movements. Instead, soldiers likely spent much of their time on the ridges, manning the turrets. This raises intriguing questions about the soldiers’ experiences and sentiments towards being posted here. Was it seen as a grim assignment or perhaps a softer post due to its less strategic location?
Roman military life
The presence of Milecastle 39, despite its impractical location, highlights the Roman military’s dedication to structure and order. It served as a vital part of Hadrian’s Wall, providing a continuous line of defence and communication. Standing here today, one can only imagine the daily life of Roman soldiers, their thoughts, and the challenges they faced.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this exploration of Milecastle 39 – it’s a great place to visit if you’re on Hadrian’s Wall. It’s a site that prompts many questions about Roman military strategy and daily life. If you’re as fascinated by history as I am, I invite you to join me for a tour and discover more about the incredible heritage of the North East of England.
