BattlefieldsRoman Signal Station Massacre — Huntcliff (c.395-400 AD)
Roman Period

Roman Signal Station Massacre — Huntcliff (c.395-400 AD)

395–400
North Riding, England
Also known as: Huntcliff signal station · Late Roman coastal massacre
Era
Roman Period
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
North Riding, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Roman garrison (massacred)
Forces
Roman garrison c. 30–150.
VS
Victor
Barbarian raiders (Saxon / Anglian)
Forces
Barbarian raider force c. 200–500
Outcome
Roman signal station garrison massacred; bodies found in well in 1911 excavation
The Battle

History & Significance

Archaeological excavation of the Huntcliff signal station in 1911 found the skeletal remains of men, women, and children thrown into the well — evidence of a massacre of the garrison and their families by seaborne raiders. Similar evidence was found at Goldsborough. These late Roman coastal massacres mark the final collapse of Roman coastal defence in Yorkshire and the beginning of the Anglian period.

Casualties & Losses

Entire garrison and dependants; numbers unknown

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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