Trawscoed fort facts for kids

Trawscoed Fort is an ancient Roman fort in Ceredigion, Wales. It was built during the Iron Age, around 70 AD. This fort is located near the town of Trawsgoed. It was built to watch over a Roman bridge that crossed the River Ystwyth. This bridge was an important crossing point for a road. In 1959, people first found the fort using pictures taken from the air. These pictures showed marks on the ground that covered an area of about 20,000 square meters. Later studies helped us learn even more about this historical site.

What Did Trawscoed Fort Look Like?

This fort covers an area of about 23,000 square meters. It sits 63 meters (207 feet) above sea level. The fort was protected by a ditch that was 3 meters (10 feet) wide and 0.9 meters (3 feet) deep.

Inside the ditch, there was a strong wall called a rampart. This rampart was made of clay and turf and was 4.1 meters (13 feet) wide. It had rounded corners and a gate on each side.

Inside the Fort Walls

Inside the fort, there were rows of barracks. These were buildings where up to 800 Roman soldiers could live. The fort also had a special house for the commander. There were also buildings for storing food (granaries) and a main office (headquarters).

Outside the main walls and ditch, there were other small settlements. It seems the whole fort was built and rebuilt at least three times.

How We Explored Trawscoed Fort

Scientists have explored Trawscoed Fort many times to learn its secrets. Early explorations focused on the northeastern part of the fort. They found signs of a large wooden building. This was seen by a trench left by an old wall.

They also found two holes where metal-covered posts once stood. Another building was found nearby, with two wall trenches showing its size. Next to this building was a yard made of cobblestones.

Discoveries Inside the Buildings

In 1984, a clay oven was found inside one of these buildings. This oven might not have been used at the same time as the building. It was sealed with clay after a fire during the Flavian dynasty (a time when Roman emperors ruled).

Later, more wall trenches were dug through the remains of this building. These showed that a newer building was built there later. It was 8.5 meters (28 feet) long and 6.75 meters (22 feet) wide. Two drains also cut through this building.

The fort was used by people from 70 AD to 120 AD. There was a time around 100 AD when it was left empty.

Recent Studies of the Fort

In November 2005, David Hopewell used special equipment to study Trawscoed Fort. He used a fluxgate gradiometer to map the area. This device helps find things underground by measuring tiny changes in the Earth's magnetic field.

He surveyed a large rectangular area, including the northern part of the fort. He divided the area into smaller squares and took many readings. This helped him create detailed maps of what was hidden beneath the ground.

What the Surveys Showed

David Hopewell reported that the northern part of the fort was very clear on his maps. He also found signs that parts of the ramparts had been burned. He confirmed there was a ditch around the fort, just outside the walls.

Outside the ditch, there was an area with very little magnetic activity. Further out, he found a strong magnetic signal. This suggests there was once a large bank of earth in that area. Inside the northern and eastern parts of the fort, he found blocks of six barracks each.

Hopewell also scanned the area around the fort. He found a road leading to the northeast gate. Small magnetic signals near the gate might mean there were guard towers there. Large areas showing signs of burning suggest that buildings might have burned down.

Other faint lines on the magnetic map might show where fields were plowed long ago. Some spots could even be old campfires.

Protecting This Historic Site

For a long time, the fort was covered with gorse bushes. These plants have strong roots that can damage ancient remains. A group called FC Wales helped remove the gorse.

Foresters then spread hay from a nearby meadow over the site. The seeds in the hay will grow into grass. This will replace the gorse and help protect the fort's remains. It will also make the area more attractive to birds and butterflies.