Scheduled MonumentsEnglandHerd Hill (milefortlet 4) and associated parallel banks and ditches, part of the Roman frontier defences along the Cumbrian coast

Herd Hill (milefortlet 4) and associated parallel banks and ditches, part of the Roman frontier defences along the Cumbrian coast

England
List entry 1014917
Nation
England
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Historic England (NHLE)

Overview

History & significance

Herd Hill milefortlet 4 is a Roman frontier installation situated on the Cumbrian coast in Cumberland, forming part of the coastal defences that extended the Hadrianic frontier system southwestward from the Wall itself. Dating to the second century AD, the milefortlet comprised a small fortified enclosure designed to control movement along the shoreline and provide a garrison point at regular intervals along this strategic maritime boundary. The site is characterised by substantial earthwork remains including the milefortlet's defensive ditches and ramparts, alongside parallel linear banks and ditches that formed part of the broader defensive system intended to regulate access to the coast. These physical features represent a significant example of Roman military engineering adapted to coastal topography and remain important archaeological evidence for understanding the extent and nature of Roman frontier organisation in northern Britain.

Herd Hill (milefortlet 4) and associated parallel banks and ditches, part of the Roman frontier defences along the Cumbrian coast is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1014917. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Herd Hill (milefortlet 4) and associated parallel banks and ditches, part of the Roman frontier defences along the Cumbrian coast?

Herd Hill milefortlet 4 is a Roman frontier installation situated on the Cumbrian coast in Cumberland, forming part of the coastal defences that extended the Hadrianic frontier system southwestward from the Wall itself. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England (NHLE) under reference 1014917.

Who is responsible for protecting Herd Hill (milefortlet 4) and associated parallel banks and ditches, part of the Roman frontier defences along the Cumbrian coast?

Herd Hill (milefortlet 4) and associated parallel banks and ditches, part of the Roman frontier defences along the Cumbrian coast is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by Historic England (NHLE) — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in England. The official designation reference is 1014917.

What other scheduled monuments are near Herd Hill (milefortlet 4) and associated parallel banks and ditches, part of the Roman frontier defences along the Cumbrian coast?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Cardurnock Marsh turret 4a (0.4 km), Herd Hill North (tower 3b), 175m north east of the sheep wash, part of the Roman frontier defences along the Cumbrian coast (0.5 km), Pasture House turret 3a (0.9 km).

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