English Heritage

3rd and 4th CenturiesRomanian Residents

Birdoswald is manned by the 1,000-strong first cohort of Dacians, from what is now Romania.

3rd CenturyBeside the Fort

A civilian settlement develops and prospers around the fort.

Late 4th-5th CenturiesEnd of an Era

Troops are withdrawn from Britain as Roman rule collapses, but Birdoswald remains occupied.

16th CenturyBorder Raids

A typical border bastle house is built within the fort walls, for defence against raiding by 'reivers' or robbers.

Late 17th CenturyNew House

A new building, now part of the Birdoswald farmhouse, replaces the original bastle house.

1840sA Modern Twist

Henry Norman buys Birdoswald, adds a tower to the farmhouse and landscapes the site.

1850sEarly Excavations

The Potter brothers from Newcastle excavate the fort walls and gates.

1895-9Major Finds

Francis Haverfield and the Cumberland Excavation Committee discover the Turf Wall and the course of the Vallum earthwork around Birdoswald.

Why is Birdoswald significant?

1927-33Scientific Discoveries

Celebrated Hadrian's Wall excavator FG Simpson discovers the Vallum crossing and excavates the fort interior.

1930State Custody

Francis Eden, 6th Baron Henley, buys the Birdoswald estate and places the fort walls and gates in state care.

1987-PresentNew Management

English Heritage resumes excavations and takes over management from Cumbria County Council in 2004.

Learn more about the history of Birdoswald