Scheduled MonumentsWalesCaerleon Legionary Fortress
Roman · Legionary Fortress

Caerleon Legionary Fortress

Wales
Cadw SAM MM230
Period
Roman
Site type
Legionary Fortress
Broad class
Defence
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

Caerleon Legionary Fortress is a Roman legionary fortress established in South Wales during the late first century AD, probably in the 70s or 80s AD, to secure the conquest and control of South Wales. Built on the River Usk near present-day Newport, it served as a permanent base for the Second Augustan Legion and represents one of only three legionary fortresses known in Roman Britain. The fortress occupied some twenty acres and contained the characteristic buildings of a legionary installation, including barracks, administrative buildings, and an amphitheatre, substantial remains of which survive today and have been extensively excavated. Its strategic location on the river facilitated supply and movement, and the fortress remained an important military centre throughout the Roman occupation of Britain.

Caerleon Legionary Fortress is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference MM230. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Caerleon Legionary Fortress?

Caerleon Legionary Fortress is a Roman legionary fortress established in South Wales during the late first century AD, probably in the 70s or 80s AD, to secure the conquest and control of South Wales. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference MM230.

What period does Caerleon Legionary Fortress date from?

Caerleon Legionary Fortress dates from the roman period, and is classified as a legionary fortress. It is one of over 32,000 scheduled monuments protected across Britain.

Who is responsible for protecting Caerleon Legionary Fortress?

Caerleon Legionary Fortress is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by Cadw — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in Wales. The official designation reference is MM230.

What other scheduled monuments are near Caerleon Legionary Fortress?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including St Julian's Wood Camp (1.5 km), Newport Castle (3.3 km), St. Mary's Churchyard Cross, Llanwern (4.3 km).

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