Scheduled MonumentsEnglandSaxon Shore fort and Anglo-Saxon monastery at Bradwell-on-Sea

Saxon Shore fort and Anglo-Saxon monastery at Bradwell-on-Sea

England
List entry 1013834
Nation
England
Boundary

Scheduled area

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

Overview

History & significance

Bradwell-on-Sea is a Saxon Shore fort constructed in the third century AD on the Essex coast as part of the Roman defensive network against Saxon raiders. The fort, known as Othona, occupies an elevated position overlooking the Blackwater Estuary and retains substantial portions of its flint and ragstone walls, which rise to considerable height on the surviving eastern side. In the seventh century, an Anglo-Saxon monastery was established within or adjacent to the fort's ruins by Saint Cedd, representing a significant continuity of occupation and a notable example of early Christian settlement in Essex. The site thus demonstrates both Roman military engineering and the transition to Anglo-Saxon religious use, making it of considerable archaeological and historical importance.

Saxon Shore fort and Anglo-Saxon monastery at Bradwell-on-Sea is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1013834. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Saxon Shore fort and Anglo-Saxon monastery at Bradwell-on-Sea?

Bradwell-on-Sea is a Saxon Shore fort constructed in the third century AD on the Essex coast as part of the Roman defensive network against Saxon raiders. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England (NHLE) under reference 1013834.

Who is responsible for protecting Saxon Shore fort and Anglo-Saxon monastery at Bradwell-on-Sea?

Saxon Shore fort and Anglo-Saxon monastery at Bradwell-on-Sea 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 1013834.

What other scheduled monuments are near Saxon Shore fort and Anglo-Saxon monastery at Bradwell-on-Sea?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Saxon coastal fish weir at Sales Point (1.3 km), Decoy pond 700m north east of Marsh House Farm (4.1 km), Coastal fish weir at the northern end of The Nass (4.3 km).

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