next to it.
Roman
Follow in the footsteps of history: North East England has a fascinating place in the history of Roman occupation and the settlement of Britain. Hadrian’s Wall has weathered almost 2000 years of Border battles and awestruck visitors to become a truly breathtaking World Heritage Site. Originally 80 Roman miles (about 73 modern miles) long and once up to 20 feet high, it still holds its head high as Britain’s largest free-standing structure.
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Hadrian’s legacy
The Emperor Hadrian believed in directing his armies’ achievements in person. In 122AD he visited Northumberland for three months, pondering how to control the native tribes at this northernmost frontier of his empire.
His conclusion was to drive a wedge between them with a great wall. As a show of strength it must have been staggering. It still is now.
Roman Britain
You can walk or cycle the route, from Segedunum on North Tyneside to Bowness-on-Solway, via the Hadrian’s Wall Path National Trail and the Hadrian’s Cycleway. You can tour it on the aptly named AD122 bus service.
And you can learn about Roman life in forts and museums along its length – Chesters and Housesteads have extensive remains, and at Vindolanda you can watch archaeological excavations and see history unearthed before your eyes.
