Longthorpe was a large early Roman vexillation fortress on the west side of modern Peterborough, established c. AD 44–48 in the immediate aftermath of the Claudian invasion and occupied until roughly AD 61–65. At around 27 acres in its initial phase it was too small for a full legion but too large for an auxiliary fort, and is interpreted as housing a mixed force of around half a legion (probably elements of Legio IX Hispana) together with auxiliary cavalry. After the Boudican period the defences were reduced to a smaller fort of about 11 acres before final abandonment.
Source: Pleiades — A Community-Built Gazetteer and Graph of Ancient Places. View the Pleiades record →
Longthorpe is one of the most important examples of a Claudian–Neronian vexillation fortress in Britain, sitting on the Nene near the frontier of the conquest-period province and controlling movement between the Fens, the territory of the Iceni, and the Corieltavi to the north. It is central to understanding the deployment of Legio IX before its move to Lincoln and the military response to the Boudican revolt.
The site was identified from aerial photography and excavated principally by Sheppard Frere and J. K. St Joseph in 1967–73, revealing twin ditches, timber gates and barracks, and the reduction of the defences in a second phase; finds included substantial assemblages of early military equipment, samian and coarse pottery, and a notable kiln complex (the Longthorpe pottery kilns) producing flagons and mortaria for
Longthorpe was a large early Roman vexillation fortress on the west side of modern Peterborough, established c. It is recorded in the Pleiades gazetteer of ancient places as a fort site from the Roman period in Britain.
Longthorpe Roman fort and settlement is classified as a Roman fort — a military site in the Pleiades ancient world gazetteer. Roman Britain's archaeology encompasses thousands of sites ranging from legionary fortresses and marching camps to villas, temples and towns.
Several Roman sites lie within a short distance, including Longthorpe (0.3 km), Roman house N of Castor Mills (3.2 km), Castor village Roman sites (3.6 km). Aubrey Research maps over 2,200 Roman sites across Britain, drawn from the Pleiades ancient world gazetteer.
Aubrey Research generates detailed historical reports for any location in Britain, incorporating Roman heritage, Domesday Book records, scheduled monument data, archaeological finds and much more. Enter a nearby address to begin.
Aubrey generates in-depth historical research for any address in Britain — drawing on Roman heritage, Domesday records, scheduled monument data, archaeological finds and medieval history to reveal the complete story of a landscape.
Research the area around Longthorpe Roman fort and settlement