Milefortlet 9 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Milefortlet 9 |
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View looking towards Skinburness, and towards the site of Milefortlet 9
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 Location in Allerdale
Location in Cumbria
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| Type | Milecastle |
| Location | |
| Coordinates | 54°53′32″N 3°21′32″W / 54.892341°N 3.358803°W |
| County | Cumbria |
| Country | England |
Milefortlet 9 (Skinburness) was a small fort built by the Romans as part of their coastal defenses in Cumbria, England. These small forts, called milefortlets, and stone watchtowers stretched along the Cumbrian coast. They started from the western end of Hadrian's Wall. A wooden fence, called a palisade, connected them. These defenses were built around the same time as Hadrian's Wall. Today, there isn't much to see at the site of Milefortlet 9. However, experts have found its location using aerial photographs.
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What Was Milefortlet 9?
Milefortlet 9 is located in a field near the village of Skinburness. This area is part of the civil parish of Silloth. In 1949, the shape of the milefortlet was seen from above in aerial photographs. These photos showed that the fortlet was about 65 meters long and 61 meters wide. There were also signs of a possible ditch around the outside.
Clues from the Air
Other marks on the ground, like pits and ditches, are visible as cropmarks in air photographs. Cropmarks are patterns in crops or grass that show where old structures are buried. It's not clear if these other marks are connected to Milefortlet 9.
An Ancient Discovery
In 1866, a piece of a Roman stone altar was found near this site. It was lying on the seashore. This altar was dedicated to the Matres, who were goddesses worshipped by the Romans. You can see this ancient piece at the British Museum today.
Missing Forts
The coastline to the north of Milefortlet 9 is broken up by Moricambe Bay. The next known Roman fort in that direction is Milefortlet 5. For a long time, people thought that Milefortlets 8, 7, and 6 had been washed away by the sea. However, there is no real proof that these forts ever existed. So, it's believed that the Roman coastal defense system starts again with Milefortlet 5.
Roman Watchtowers: Eyes on the Coast
Every milefortlet had two watchtowers linked to it. These towers were built in a similar way to the turrets found along Hadrian's Wall. They were placed about one-third and two-thirds of a Roman mile to the west of the milefortlet.
Who Guarded the Towers?
Soldiers from the nearest milefortlet would likely have guarded these towers. The towers connected to Milefortlet 9 are known as Tower 9A and Tower 9B.
Where Are They Now?
The exact locations of both Tower 9A and Tower 9B are not certain. Their positions have been guessed by measuring from other Roman defense structures nearby. Sadly, both of these tower sites have been built over in modern times.
