Classis Britannica facts for kids

The Classis Britannica was the Roman navy's fleet that protected the waters around Roman Britain. Think of it as the "British Fleet," but it belonged to the Roman Empire, not a separate country called Britain. Its main job was to control the English Channel and the seas near the Roman province of Britannia. Unlike today's fighting navies, its main purpose was to move soldiers and supplies. It also kept communication routes open across the Channel.

We don't have many old writings that mention the Classis Britannica by name. Also, we haven't found a lot of archaeological evidence. However, we often find tiles stamped "CLBR" along the coast of Kent and in London. This suggests there were Roman government buildings or even military surplus items from the fleet in those areas. Because of this, much of what we know about its history comes from putting together clues.

History of the Roman British Fleet

How the Fleet Helped Invade Britain

A fleet was first created to help the Romans invade Britain under Emperor Claudius. Its job was to bring about 40,000 Roman soldiers and their supplies to Great Britain. After the Romans successfully invaded, the fleet continued to support the army. It moved huge amounts of supplies across the English Channel.

The Fleet's Role in Conquering Britain

This fleet played a big part in the Roman conquest of Britannia. However, a Roman historian named Tacitus noted something strange. About 20 years after the invasion, the fleet was not with Suetonius Paulinus when he crossed to Anglesey. This happened just before the Boudican Rebellion. This might mean the fleet was still busy in the Channel area. It might also have been too small to help the ground troops on such a long journey to north Wales.

Later, during the Flavian period, what started as a temporary invasion fleet became permanent. It was officially named the Classis Britannica. Also during this time, under Governor Agricola, the fleet sailed all the way around Caledonia (which is now Scotland). In 83 AD, it attacked Scotland's eastern coast. A year later, records show the fleet reached the Orkney Islands.

The Classis Britannica didn't face many enemy navies. So, its main job was to provide support. It helped the Roman army in Britannia and also armies fighting in Germania (modern-day Germany).

The Fleet and Iron Production

In the Weald area of south-east England, archaeologists have found tiles stamped with the Classis Britannica name. These tiles were found at places where iron was produced. The biggest site is Beauport Park, near Battle, East Sussex. Over 1,000 tiles were used to roof a large bath house next to a big iron smelting site. Other iron production sites with these tiles include Bardown and Little Farningham Farm.

Three other sites where tiles were found had access to water that ships could use. Two of these, at Bodiam and Boreham Bridge, also had iron workings nearby. This suggests that the Classis Britannica not only transported iron but was also involved in making it.

The Fleet's Return Under Carausius

Around 286 AD, a Roman commander named Carausius was put in charge of the Classis Britannica. His job was to stop Frankish and Saxon pirates who were attacking the coasts of Gaul (modern-day France). However, Carausius was suspected of keeping stolen treasure for himself. Some even thought he let the pirates raid to get rich before he acted against them. Because of this, Emperor Maximian ordered his execution.

In late 286 or early 287 AD, Carausius found out about this order. He reacted by taking power for himself and declaring himself emperor of Britannia and northern Gaul. When a Roman fleet from the Rhine attacked the British fleet, Carausius's fleet won. This shows that the Classis Britannica must have been very strong at that time. The Roman invaders blamed bad weather for their defeat.

By 300 AD, Britannia was back under the control of the larger Roman Empire. The Classis Britannica was then restored as a loyal Roman imperial fleet.

The End of the Empire and the Fleet

In the final years of Roman Britain, the fleet focused almost entirely on protecting the eastern and southern coasts of Great Britain. It fought against pirates and, later, against Saxon raids. These raids targeted coastal towns and villages on what became known as the Saxon Shore. The fleet likely played a role in operating the Saxon Shore forts.

Main Ports of the Roman British Fleet

People first thought the fleet's main base was in Rutupiae (Richborough). But newer archaeological work has found one of only three surviving forts used by the fleet's marines at Dubris (Dover). This suggests Dover was a major base for the Classis Britannica. It might even have been its primary base. However, another surviving fleet fort, at Boulogne-sur-Mer, is much larger. Some say this makes Boulogne a more likely main base than Dover. Portus Adurni (which later became Portchester Castle) near Portsmouth harbour is another possible main base. It is believed to have been at least a very important base for the fleet.