Ermine Street facts for kids
Ermine Street was one of the most important Roman roads in ancient Britain. It connected major Roman cities like London (which they called Londinium), Lincoln (Lindum Colonia), and York (Eboracum). The Romans built many roads to help their army move around and to transport goods. We don't know what the Romans actually called this road themselves!
Today, parts of Ermine Street are still used as modern roads. For example, the section from London to near Godmanchester is sometimes called the Old North Road.
Contents
Why Were Roman Roads So Important?
The Roman Empire was huge, and to keep it running smoothly, the Romans needed excellent roads. These roads helped their soldiers travel quickly to different parts of the country. They also made it easier for people to trade goods and for messages to be sent. Roman roads were built to last, often using layers of stone, gravel, and sand. They were usually very straight, making journeys faster.
The Journey North: Crossing the Humber
Ermine Street was a long road, stretching far north. The direct path of the road would have crossed the River Humber. The Humber is a wide estuary, which is where a river meets the sea and is affected by tides. This means the water level changes a lot.
Dealing with Difficult Crossings
Crossing the Humber would have been very tricky, especially in bad weather. The river was too wide for the Romans to build a bridge, which was something they were very good at! This means people and goods probably had to cross using some kind of ferry. To make sure transport was always possible, even when the Humber was too dangerous, the Romans built an alternative route. This second path (shown in blue on the map) allowed people to travel safely in all kinds of weather.
Images for kids
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The Roman Newport Arch in Lincoln
