Metchley Roman Forts. A Programme of Archaeological Investigations
Birmingham Archaeology, 2017. https://doi.org/10.5284/1046281. How to cite using this DOI
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- ADS Collection: 2862
- DOI:https://doi.org/10.5284/1046281
- How to cite using this DOI
Introduction
This archive provides a summary of Birmingham Archaeology projects related to the Metchley Roman forts and adjoining areas. Four main phases of Roman activity have been identified at Metchley. The earliest (Phase 1) fort, constructed in the late AD 40s, was roughly square in plan, enclosing 4.08 ha., and was defended by double ditches, a rampart, and other obstacles. The excavated part of the left retentura contained a pair of facing barrack blocks, the northernmost comprising a double barrack-block. Other contemporary buildings excavated include part of a granary (in central range), and a workshop and store (in the right praetentura).
Later, ditched annexes were added to the northern, eastern, and possibly also to the southern sides of the fort (Phase 2a). The deliberate clearance of the Phase 1 fort interior was immediately followed by the construction of temporary, irregularly-shaped timber framed buildings, and associated fenced compounds (Phase 2B). The excavated buildings of this phase include a store building with a raised floor, and a stable or groom's quarters. Although the evidence is fragmentary, the fort may have functioned as a stores depot at this time. Following an abandonment of the site, a smaller fort (Phase 3) enclosing 2.6 ha. was built within the slighted defences of the earlier, larger fort. The turf rampart of this latest fort was later reconstructed in timber. The only contemporary buildings excavated comprise a granary, and a possible cook-house. The fort was probably abandoned by the military around AD 70.
