10.5284/1061139
Symonds, Matthew
The construction order of the Milecastles on Hadrian's Wall
Archaeology Data Service
2019
en
Article
https://archaeologydataservice.ac.uk/library/browse/series.xhtml?recordId=1001112
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Archaeologia Aeliana, 34, 67-81
The author reassesses F Simpson's 1931 contention that broad and narrow walls were used in milecastle construction; the contention is then used to reconstruct their building order. This reveals clusters of early, broad wall, milecastles adjacent to features which can be described as points of strategic importance. It is suggested that the unusual size of milecastles 47 and 48 is a consequence of their early construction, while the provision of large double barrack blocks within them is due to their construction prior to the fort decision. As well as broad and narrow gauge perimeter walls, the study reveals some evidence for a middle gauge. This was restricted to the completion of milecastles started to the broad standard and can be shown, through its relationship to Great Chesters, to predate the narrow gauge.