Gents Mag 1853 part 1 p.73

---

	introduction
	list, 3rd qtr 19th century
	Gentleman's Magazine 1853 part 1 p.73
roman fort, Birdoswald
	Excavations at Birdoswald SOCIETY OF ANTIQUARIES OF NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE. ... Mr. H. G. Potter read a paper on his recent excavations at Burdoswald, which have brought to light a fourth gateway, far surpassing the others in style of architecture and finish. The first trace of it was discovered during the last winter, by Mr. Boustead, the farmer on the spot, who cane upon one of the piers while digging the foundation of a bull-shed. Mr. Potter, with his brother, subsequently assumed the work of excavation; and the result of their labours may now be seen by visitors. A noble double gateway has been laid bare. One of the gates has been walled-up, not by the Roman themselves, as is proved by the difference of level between the floor of the Romand gate and that on which the barrier now stands. Many circumstances, which presented themselves during the researches at Burdoswald, have led Mr. Potter to believe that this camp was occupied as a town long after the departure of the Romans. The floors, for example, of some of the houses are about four feet above the flagged Roman footpath inside the walls; and the ruins of (apparently) Roman structures form the foundation of later edifices - which, in their turn, have been destroyed, or suffered to go to ruin, and earth and herbage cover their remains. Gildas and Bede tell us in what manner the Picts and Scots conquered the Britons after the last Roman legion had left the island, and how they ravaged the country, drove the inhabitants before them, and made their habitations like the abodes of wild beasts; and tradition adds, that near Burdoswald (Amboglanna), at a place called "The Gap," the Picts broke through the Wall. The station, it is probable, was reduced to ruins, and so remained until the country became more settled; when, tempted by its commanding position, and the fact of its being traversed by the Maiden Way, some Saxon chief of the name of Oswald may have repaired its walls and gates, and built a town within - the Burgh of Oswald - easily corruptible into Burdoswald, Birdoswald, or (as it is now often called) Bridussel. Here also, there is reason to suppose, the Danes more recently dwelt. The wreck of Harrows (or Harold's) Castle still survives. Its stones were removed
	next page
	gazetteer links
	-- Banna

Lakes Guides menu.

---