Hadrian's Wall

Hadrian’s Wall is a Roman frontier fortification across northern England, begun in about AD 122 during the reign of Emperor Hadrian, constructed to mark and defend the northern boundary of Roman Britain. The linear monument includes a continuous rampart with forts, milecastles and watchtowers at regular intervals.

The wall and its associated forts were built by the Roman army and garrisoned by Roman auxiliaries and legionary detachments; the structure functioned as a military frontier and customs barrier through the Roman period. Today many sections of the wall, along with major forts such as Housesteads and Vindolanda, are archaeological sites open to visitors and researchers.

Over time the wall fell out of use and parts were robbed for building material, but significant stretches and fort remains survive; ongoing archaeological work and conservation interpret the frontier system and display finds such as the Vindolanda tablets. The site is protected and interpreted as part of Britain’s Roman heritage and is recognised internationally for its historic value.

Hadrian’s Wall traverses northern England from the Solway Firth on the west coast to the mouth of the River Tyne in the east, crossing upland and agricultural landscapes and lying north of central English cities such as Newcastle upon Tyne.

• Length and date: The wall was begun around AD 122 under Emperor Hadrian and runs roughly 73 miles (117 kilometres) across northern England, with forts, milecastles and turrets along its length.

What to See #

• Housesteads Fort: Housesteads Roman Fort on the wall with well-preserved earthworks and stone remains, plus a museum display of Roman frontier life.
• Vindolanda: Vindolanda archaeological site and museum, known for exceptionally preserved wooden writing tablets and domestic finds from Roman military life.