In the middle of Manchester, in an area known as Castlefield there are the remains of a Roman fort, and a replica of part of the fort. The fort was known as Mamucium, from the Celtic word "breast shaped hill", referring to the sandstone bluff the fort was built upon. This later evolved into the name Manchester. The fort was built in 79 AD to guard a crossing on the river Medlock. It was located at a crossing of two Roman roads. At first the fort was built of timber and turf and probably housed a cohort of 500 men.
A viscus or civilian settlement grew up around the fort. This was made up of soldier's families and merchants. Some remains from this settlement can still be seen on the site. The fort was one of a chain of Roman fortifications along the road between Eboracum (York) and Deva Victrix (Chester). Castleshaw fort lies 26 kms to the east and Condate (Norwich) fort 29 kms to the west.
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| remains of buildings around the fort with the replica in the background |
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| boys exploring the view from the battlement |
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| rear view of the northern gate |
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| a section of the wall |
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| section of the wall from the front |
In the middle of Manchester, in an area known as Castlefield there are the remains of a Roman fort, and a replica of part of the fort. The fort was known as Mamucium, from the Celtic word "breast shaped hill", referring to the sandstone bluff the fort was built upon. This later evolved into the name Manchester. The fort was built in 79 AD to guard a crossing on the river Medlock. It was located at a crossing of two Roman roads. At first the fort was built of timber and turf and probably housed a cohort of 500 men.
