Milecastle 46 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Milecastle 46 |
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The site of Milecastle 46
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 Location in Northumberland
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| Type | Milecastle |
| Location | |
| Coordinates | 54°59′15″N 2°31′32″W / 54.98759°N 2.5256°W |
| County | Northumberland |
| Country | England |
Milecastle 46 (Carvoran) was a small fort, or "milecastle," that was part of the famous Hadrian's Wall in ancient Britain. These milecastles were like mini-forts built along the wall, usually about one Roman mile apart. They helped the Roman soldiers guard the wall and control who passed through. Milecastle 46 was an important part of this huge defensive line.
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Exploring Milecastle 46: A Piece of Hadrian's Wall History
Milecastle 46 was a key part of Hadrian's Wall, a huge stone barrier built by the Romans. This wall stretched across northern England. Milecastles like this one were small forts placed along the wall. They were typically built about one Roman mile (around 1,600 meters) from each other.
Where Was Milecastle 46 Located?
Milecastle 46 was built just west of a ditch called the Vallum. This ditch ran alongside Hadrian's Wall. It was also located north of a larger Roman fort called Carvoran, known as Magnis in Roman times.
What Can We See Today?
Today, you won't see much of Milecastle 46. There are no stone walls or ruins standing tall. However, if you look closely, you might spot a slight, raised area covered in grass. This small platform shows where the milecastle once stood. Experts can also see its outline from special aerial photographs. These photos show the subtle changes in the ground that reveal ancient structures.
The Turrets of Milecastle 46
Every milecastle along Hadrian's Wall had two smaller watchtowers, called "turrets," associated with it. These turrets were placed between the milecastles. They were usually about one-third and two-thirds of a Roman mile to the west. Soldiers from the milecastle would have guarded these turrets. They helped keep watch over the wall and the surrounding area.
Turret 46A (Holmhead)
Turret 46A has never been found by archaeologists. Its exact location is a bit of a mystery. Experts have calculated where it should be based on the positions of other milecastles. It's possible that this turret lies hidden beneath a house or garden in an area called Holmhead.
Turret 46B (Wallend)
Like Turret 46A, Turret 46B has also not been discovered. Its position is also an estimate, calculated from nearby Roman structures. It might be located under a farm building in an area known as Wallend.
Visiting the Site
The area where Milecastle 46 once stood is on private land. However, it is very close to the Hadrian's Wall Path. This path is a popular walking trail that follows the line of the ancient wall. If you want to visit, you can park your car at Walltown Quarry Car Park. This car park is right on the Hadrian's Wall Path. You can find it easily, as it's signposted from the B6318 (Military Road).
