Forts

Usually   best-preserved features of roman forts are their ditches and ramparts, which are almost always arranged to form a rectangular enclosure with rounded corners. The main defensive component of a Roman fort is the rampart (vallum) which may be constructed of turf, puddle clay, or earth. They were located wherever a military presence was considered necessary at any given time. Roman forts are usually dated using evidence from coins, pottery (fine and coarse wares) Forts are completely absent from large areas in southern and eastern England where the existence of tribes which, for various reasons, were compliant with Rome.

It is estimated that in the region of 15-20% of the total number of fort sites which were originally present in northern England remains undiscovered, and approximately 40% in the south. Many sites, particularly in southern England, probably remain obscured by modern villages and towns. This has happened with Dunmow.

A good example of a roman fort in the South East is the Balkerne Gate in Colchester, Essex.

Large forts acted as important logistic supply depots and centres for administration. A fort could hold anything up to 800 men and often had an associated civilian settlement outside called a vicus. Roman soldiers were one of the groups in society that had a regular wage and, as is often the case throughout history, these men with money to spend often attracted a range of people providing different civilian services that settled nearby and took advantage of their requirements.

A good site to visit about the makings of the roman forts is

http://www.eng-h.gov.uk/mpp/mcd/fort.htm

Roman Fort at Great Chesterford

A plan of the fort has been obtained by piecing together information from aerial photographs and excavations near to the M 11 site and is probably one of the earliest sites in Britain. The men of Legio IX Hispana possibly occupied it during the initial campaign season of Aulus Plautius in AD43.

The site occupies an excellent strategic position over the ancient track way overlooking the Cam valley. It is positioned somewhat interestingly between two later Roman roads, the 'Via Devana' and 'Ermine Street'. The known road east-south-east doglegs south to Great Dunmow at a point seven miles along its course, and probably continued east-south-east to Colchester.

It is thought that a Plautian fort or marching camp was sited nearby, but not necessarily on the same site, but perhaps on the Braughing road south of the river, The camp was quite large, measuring, an area between 35-37 acres which is large enough to accommodate half a legion and perhaps a couple of auxiliary cavalry units. It would appear from the lack of Claudian remains that this fort was built during or immediately after the revolt of Boudicca in the winter of AD60/1.