Milecastle 76 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Milecastle 76 |
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Milecastle 76 lies near the road leading west into Drumburgh
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 Location in Cumbria
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| Type | Milecastle |
| Location | |
| Coordinates | 54°55′41″N 3°08′44″W / 54.92815°N 3.145589°W |
| County | Cumbria |
| Country | England |
Milecastle 76 (Drumburgh) was a small fort built by the ancient Romans. It was part of Hadrian's Wall, a huge barrier across northern England. The Romans built these small forts, called milecastles, about every Roman mile along the wall.
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What is Milecastle 76?
Milecastle 76 was one of 80 small forts along Hadrian's Wall. These milecastles were like mini-fortresses. They helped the Roman soldiers guard the wall and control who passed through. Each milecastle had a gate that could be opened or closed.
Where is Milecastle 76 Located?
Experts believe Milecastle 76 is located on the east side of a village called Drumburgh. This spot is about 200 meters east of where a larger Roman fort, called Concavata, once stood.
Finding the exact spot of Milecastle 76 today is tricky. Some people think they can see a slight raised area, like a platform, in the ground. However, it is not certain if this is truly the remains of the milecastle. In 1962, some people also reported seeing parts of Hadrian's Wall itself under the marshy ground nearby.
What are Turrets?
Along with milecastles, the Romans also built smaller guard posts called turrets. These turrets were placed between the milecastles. Imagine them as small lookout towers. Each milecastle usually had two turrets linked to it. These turrets were about one-third and two-thirds of a Roman mile to the west. Soldiers from the milecastle would likely have guarded these turrets.
Turret 76A: The Drumburgh Turret
One of the turrets connected to Milecastle 76 is called Turret 76A (Drumburgh). It was first identified in 1948. People say it is located just east of an old schoolhouse in Drumburgh. However, if you visit the area today, you won't see any parts of the turret above ground. It is completely hidden.
Turret 76B: The Missing Turret
The second turret, Turret 76B, has never been found. Its exact location is still a mystery. Experts have tried to guess where it might be by looking at other Roman structures nearby. They think it might be about 90 meters south of where an old railway line used to cross Hadrian's Wall, east of Glasson.
