Hadrian's Wall

The 73-mile long Wall was built by the Roman Army back in 122 A.D., nearly 2000 years ago. It was commissioned by Emperor Hadrian to help control movement of people in the British frontier, as well as prevent raids by those ever pesky Scots.

First stop for us was Vindolanda, a Roman fort that has been excavated over the last few decades. You are able to walk amongst the foundations of the buildings and alongside the fort wall. The museum houses many of the fascinating relics found here, including leather shoes, armour and swords, as well as writing tablets containing letters written by soldiers and their families which really brings to life what it was like living in Roman controlled Britian.


Next was a walk alongside the Wall itself. Many stretches of the Wall have disappeared or are seriously damaged after years of erosion and from people who in centuries past would take the stone for their farmhouses and castles (such as Thirlwall). However, in this particular strech, the wall was fully intact and in all its glory. Honestly, it was incredibly thrilling to be able to touch something that was built by the Romans so many years ago. To think how they were able to quarry this much stone, transport it to such a remote place, and still build a wall with such craftsmanship that has been able to stand the test of time. Powerful stuff, and highly recommended.