BattlefieldsRoman Signal Station at Filey — Raid and Defence
Roman Period

Roman Signal Station at Filey — Raid and Defence

370–400
North Yorkshire, England
Also known as: Filey signal tower · Yorkshire coast watchtower action
Era
Roman Period
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
North Yorkshire, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Roman signal station garrison
Forces
raiding force c. 200–500 (forces uncertain).
VS
Victor
Unknown
Forces
Roman signal station garrison c. 30–100
Outcome
Signal station garrison overwhelmed or evacuated in face of seaborne raiders; burnt destruction layer recorded in excavation
The Battle

History & Significance

The chain of late Roman signal stations along the Yorkshire coast — at Filey, Scarborough, Goldsborough, Ravenscar, and Huntcliff — were purpose-built to give warning of Saxon and Pictish seaborne raids. Filey signal station, excavated in the nineteenth century, showed evidence of violent destruction. The garrison of each tower was tiny — perhaps a handful of troops — making them vulnerable once raiding parties landed.

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