Roman Roads in Box Area Clive Banks
Extracted from a wider review of the Bath area, Originally published June 1987 for GCE project
Extracted from a wider review of the Bath area, Originally published June 1987 for GCE project
Southern road near Norbins Farm where a bank divides fields into two levels (courtesy Clive Banks)
The Roman roads in the Box area are a very small part of a network of communication which covered the whole Roman Empire. They were in the main carefully planned to link centres of occupation, at first military and subsequently civil. The major characteristic of Roman roads, particularly the early military ones, was their adherence to long, straight alignments between convenient sighting points. They were usually laid upon a well-constructed embankment of varying height (agger), generally derived from a U-shaped scoop ditch along one or both sides of the road. Upon it was placed the roadway, often made with a foundation of big stones below a surfacing of gravel or other available local material. Another feature often associated with the roads was small ditches placed well back from the roads, delineating an area which was probably kept cleared for reasons of security. Roads were often raised impressively higher than would seem necessary for drainage purposes and this may have had some political significance.
The road system in the Box area was probably laid out within a few decades of the invasion of Britain in 43 AD. The roads were essentially military and strategic in character. Their initial purpose was to facilitate troop movements to subdue the conquered areas and support further advances. Within 8 miles of Bath there are 17 or 18 known Roman villas of quality including the one at Box and many stone quarries. These must have been supported by a considerable network of vicinal (adjacent) roads which gradually evolved during the Roman occupation. Such roads were less substantial than the original strategic military ones and have left no trace. Their possible presence can be inferred by evidence such as chains of burials and surviving alignments. Burials were forbidden within the confines of Roman cities and are commonly found alongside the roads leading out of them.
The Bath area was strategically important in Roman times as a river crossing. To the north a prehistoric ridgeway followed the Cotswold escarpment, possibly later developed into a Roman road. The area was also the point where the Fosseway, the lateral road supporting the first Roman frontier, crossed the River Avon.
The main documentary source consulted in ascertaining the traditionally accepted routes of Roman roads has been Ivan D Margary’s book, Roman Roads in Britain, written in 1973. For more recent opinions the main source has been the work of Professor Barry Cunliffe. I have also had interesting and informative conversations with Mr Stephen Bird, curator of the Bath Roman Baths Museum.
Parish boundaries often follow Roman roads and there are several instances of this in the Bath area. Most of the southern boundary of Box is a long stretch of Roman road ruining along field boundaries, discussed below which I have called the Southern Road. The Fosse Way also comes into play but only where the Box boundary touches it at a single point, probably at the Three Shire Stones. There are local references to these roads, including the road from Ditteridge up the hill to the Fosse, called Rode Hill, a misspelling of Road Hill, the track leading up to the Roman road.
The road system in the Box area was probably laid out within a few decades of the invasion of Britain in 43 AD. The roads were essentially military and strategic in character. Their initial purpose was to facilitate troop movements to subdue the conquered areas and support further advances. Within 8 miles of Bath there are 17 or 18 known Roman villas of quality including the one at Box and many stone quarries. These must have been supported by a considerable network of vicinal (adjacent) roads which gradually evolved during the Roman occupation. Such roads were less substantial than the original strategic military ones and have left no trace. Their possible presence can be inferred by evidence such as chains of burials and surviving alignments. Burials were forbidden within the confines of Roman cities and are commonly found alongside the roads leading out of them.
The Bath area was strategically important in Roman times as a river crossing. To the north a prehistoric ridgeway followed the Cotswold escarpment, possibly later developed into a Roman road. The area was also the point where the Fosseway, the lateral road supporting the first Roman frontier, crossed the River Avon.
The main documentary source consulted in ascertaining the traditionally accepted routes of Roman roads has been Ivan D Margary’s book, Roman Roads in Britain, written in 1973. For more recent opinions the main source has been the work of Professor Barry Cunliffe. I have also had interesting and informative conversations with Mr Stephen Bird, curator of the Bath Roman Baths Museum.
Parish boundaries often follow Roman roads and there are several instances of this in the Bath area. Most of the southern boundary of Box is a long stretch of Roman road ruining along field boundaries, discussed below which I have called the Southern Road. The Fosse Way also comes into play but only where the Box boundary touches it at a single point, probably at the Three Shire Stones. There are local references to these roads, including the road from Ditteridge up the hill to the Fosse, called Rode Hill, a misspelling of Road Hill, the track leading up to the Roman road.
The Southern Roman road (shown black) is still the parish boundary (courtesy Know Your Place)
The Southern Road
An early development in the Roman road system was the one radiating from London via Silchester (Calleva). This is sometimes wrongly called the Via Julia, but this name is a spurious classicism of modern origin. The Roman name of the road is not known as the case for both roads described here. This road appears to postdate Ermine Street, the road through Cirencester (Corinium) to the early legionary fortress at Gloucester (Glevum) because it distinctly branches from the former’s alignment ¾ mile south of Wickham near Newbury. However, its importance is confirmed by a reference in the Antonine Itinerary, a document of about 200 AD, as the main route from Silchester to Caerleon in South Wales.
As one of the arterial roads leading up to the line of the Fosseway, the road probably had early military significance. It runs eastward out of Bath for about two miles. At Batheaston it deviates southward following the course of a river. Here the Fosseway leaves it to the north-east while this road continues east until it leaves the A4 at Bathford to climb Kingsdown Hill. The route probably followed the main road through Bathford until reaching “The Inn” where it left it to fork to the right. The route may be traced first as a cul-de-sac, then a footpath, and later as a steep hill called Dovers Lane. Here it enters a field and its route becomes unclear. It must then pass through Ashley Wood because on the other side of it, about two-thirds of a mile further on, the route has again been discovered across fields to the south of Kingsdown Golf Course. It has now ceased to be a route way. For a while it is a raised field boundary. It then crosses fields, described by Margary as a distinct low ridge. However, the ridge is now anything but distinct as ploughing has levelled it since the observation to which he refers. Curiously, the line can be easily followed here because for one mile it coincides with a line of electricity pylons.
An early development in the Roman road system was the one radiating from London via Silchester (Calleva). This is sometimes wrongly called the Via Julia, but this name is a spurious classicism of modern origin. The Roman name of the road is not known as the case for both roads described here. This road appears to postdate Ermine Street, the road through Cirencester (Corinium) to the early legionary fortress at Gloucester (Glevum) because it distinctly branches from the former’s alignment ¾ mile south of Wickham near Newbury. However, its importance is confirmed by a reference in the Antonine Itinerary, a document of about 200 AD, as the main route from Silchester to Caerleon in South Wales.
As one of the arterial roads leading up to the line of the Fosseway, the road probably had early military significance. It runs eastward out of Bath for about two miles. At Batheaston it deviates southward following the course of a river. Here the Fosseway leaves it to the north-east while this road continues east until it leaves the A4 at Bathford to climb Kingsdown Hill. The route probably followed the main road through Bathford until reaching “The Inn” where it left it to fork to the right. The route may be traced first as a cul-de-sac, then a footpath, and later as a steep hill called Dovers Lane. Here it enters a field and its route becomes unclear. It must then pass through Ashley Wood because on the other side of it, about two-thirds of a mile further on, the route has again been discovered across fields to the south of Kingsdown Golf Course. It has now ceased to be a route way. For a while it is a raised field boundary. It then crosses fields, described by Margary as a distinct low ridge. However, the ridge is now anything but distinct as ploughing has levelled it since the observation to which he refers. Curiously, the line can be easily followed here because for one mile it coincides with a line of electricity pylons.
Hedgerows begin to mark its route towards the B3109 road which it crosses at a layby a little to the north of Norbin Farm. To the east its course is marked by a low bank between fields until after another half a mile it enters a large wood. After a while it becomes conspicuous along the northern boundary of the wood where a stone wall supports the bank within. This can be seen from the A365 road which it crosses about two-thirds of a mile north of Atworth. The route then continues through Neston Park and pursues a remarkably straight course across Wiltshire for many miles before becoming associated with the A4 road again at Silbury Hill which may have been used as a point of alignment. This route is closely associated with the eminent Wiltshire archaeologist Sir Richard Colt Hoare who made a particularly detailed study of it on foot in 1819. The southern road follows a remarkably direct route eastwards from Bath towards Silchester and London. Although of necessity it climbs into the Wiltshire Downs, the route compares very favourably with the later medieval route to London, which was much less direct and climbs steeper gradients.
The reasons for the failure of the Roman road as a long distance routeway are two-fold. First, it links no significant Saxon settlements. Settlers would understandably choose to avoid established routeways in troubled times. However, one might expect some limited survival as an occasional minor road or footpath. But for many miles not even this has occurred. Secondly, for some 25 miles of its length it was adapted in post-Roman times to form part of the Wansdyke, an earthwork which runs across much of southern England. Whilst its origins are uncertain, it was almost certainly a boundary between contending neighbours. It is not surprising that the route fell into disuse whilst this situation prevailed. By the time that there was a need for a through route again, the Roman road had become lost and forgotten.
The reasons for the failure of the Roman road as a long distance routeway are two-fold. First, it links no significant Saxon settlements. Settlers would understandably choose to avoid established routeways in troubled times. However, one might expect some limited survival as an occasional minor road or footpath. But for many miles not even this has occurred. Secondly, for some 25 miles of its length it was adapted in post-Roman times to form part of the Wansdyke, an earthwork which runs across much of southern England. Whilst its origins are uncertain, it was almost certainly a boundary between contending neighbours. It is not surprising that the route fell into disuse whilst this situation prevailed. By the time that there was a need for a through route again, the Roman road had become lost and forgotten.
Route of the Fosse Way (black) from Bath to Alcombe (courtesy Know Your Place)
Fosse Way
The road known as the Fosse Way runs diagonally right across England following a remarkably straight course from Lincoln to near Axmouth in Devon. It is thought to have originated, at least through the Midlands as the linking road along (or a few miles behind) the line of a temporary frontier between the more fertile lowlands of Britain and the more difficult highlands. Other major roads radiating from London lead up to it at right angles as though in support. Margary considered that it would have been formed by 47 AD, within four years of the invasion. The overall name Fosse Way is, of course, post Roman and must not blind us into thinking that it was conceived and constructed as a single scheme. Study of the road at Cirencester appears to indicate that the south westward extension to Bath was a later addition and Margary suggests that here it may never have had a frontier support function. However, the Silures of South Wales were a major problem to the Romans and were not entirely subdued until the mid-70s AD.
In the Bath area the route of the Fosse Way is well established and clearly visible until about 3 miles from the city centre on each side. However its course through the intervening area in and around the current city has been subject to conjecture and to some traditional acceptance without real evidence.
The road known as the Fosse Way runs diagonally right across England following a remarkably straight course from Lincoln to near Axmouth in Devon. It is thought to have originated, at least through the Midlands as the linking road along (or a few miles behind) the line of a temporary frontier between the more fertile lowlands of Britain and the more difficult highlands. Other major roads radiating from London lead up to it at right angles as though in support. Margary considered that it would have been formed by 47 AD, within four years of the invasion. The overall name Fosse Way is, of course, post Roman and must not blind us into thinking that it was conceived and constructed as a single scheme. Study of the road at Cirencester appears to indicate that the south westward extension to Bath was a later addition and Margary suggests that here it may never have had a frontier support function. However, the Silures of South Wales were a major problem to the Romans and were not entirely subdued until the mid-70s AD.
In the Bath area the route of the Fosse Way is well established and clearly visible until about 3 miles from the city centre on each side. However its course through the intervening area in and around the current city has been subject to conjecture and to some traditional acceptance without real evidence.
The Fosse Way crossing Bannerdown looking towards Hunter's Hall (courtesy Clive Banks)
The main alignment of the Fosse Way begins at the top of Bannerdown and is followed by the present road for many miles usually with a parish or county boundary along it. For the first mile or so to Hunters Hall it is very much raised by some 5 to 6 feet. Margary suggests that on this high spot (over 600 feet) it was thought desirable to have an impressive agger – no drainage problems would have occurred here. The road is still raised past Colerne aerodrome but then it narrows and winds slightly to cross the deep valley of Doncombe Brook, before resuming a straight line to cross the A420 at the Shoe Inn near Upper Wraxall. Half a mile beyond, still a minor road, near Mountain Bower a slight turn is made on high ground and the new alignment is then rigidly followed for 16½ miles. The road continues to run upon a conspicuous agger 4 to 5 feet high, which can be seen just west of the present road where this has curved slightly on a hill half a mile further on. Near Nettleton Shrub another steep valley is crossed and the site of a Roman Temple is sited by the stream a few yards to the west of the road. No recognisable remains are now visible. This is now about 9 miles from Bath.
The Fosse Way passing the parish of Box to the north east of Bath has long since ceased to have any major function. It soon ceases to be a modern road at all until within a few miles of Cirencester. It is noticeable that the Saxon settlements of Sherston, Malmesbury and Tetbury are all some 2 to 3 miles off its course. It is not a natural routeway and was probably created artificially for a function which became redundant soon afterwards. Later settlers probably deliberately avoided proximity to such major routeways.
The Fosse Way passing the parish of Box to the north east of Bath has long since ceased to have any major function. It soon ceases to be a modern road at all until within a few miles of Cirencester. It is noticeable that the Saxon settlements of Sherston, Malmesbury and Tetbury are all some 2 to 3 miles off its course. It is not a natural routeway and was probably created artificially for a function which became redundant soon afterwards. Later settlers probably deliberately avoided proximity to such major routeways.
The Fosse Way on a raised agger with Clandown village in background (courtesy Clive Banks)
Conclusion
The Roman roads in the Box area may be typified by a short section of the Fosse Way near Radstock to the south-west of Bath. Here in the space of less than one mile the road changes from a straight length of major road (the A367) to a narrow lane along the back of some houses, becomes a village street, climbs a hillside as a hollow way, crosses high ground as a relatively unspoilt agger raised above the surrounding fields, and finally disappears into another field showing no trace other than a line of a hedgerow. All the various surviving forms are represented here.
Roman routes do not pursue relentlessly straight alignments regardless of the physical characteristics of the country. The steep hillsides and uneven nature of the Box countryside, as well as the winding courses of the River Avon and its tributaries, have resulted in some compromises. However, where these have taken place a series of straight alignments is favoured with deviations commencing at prominent points of alignment. The Romans were far less compromising in choosing their routes than builders of roads for later wheeled traffic. As a result, Roman routes have either been adjusted to avoid steep hillsides as in the case of the southwestern Fosse Way or abandoned altogether like the Poole harbour road. Another factor in their survival, particularly to the north and east, is the apparently deliberate reluctance of people to settle in their vicinity. It should also not be forgotten that they were mostly conceived for temporary military and political purposes and do not necessarily follow natural routeways serving later trade and settlement. This was particularly the case for the Fosse Way to the northeast of Bath.
Scope remains for future work. The Southern Road through Ashley Wood between Bathford and Kingsdown remains uncertain and needs more detailed fieldwork. Because Bath possesses some of the most famous and picturesque Roman remains in Britain, the local road system is often overlooked. Nevertheless, the roads remain the most substantial and influential physical legacy of the Roman occupation of Britain. The study of their strategic conception, their choice of line, and their method of construction give some insight into the military and political thinking of the invaders and their immediate successors. Consideration of the road survival (or otherwise) reveals insight into patterns of settlement and trade in later times.
The Roman roads in the Box area may be typified by a short section of the Fosse Way near Radstock to the south-west of Bath. Here in the space of less than one mile the road changes from a straight length of major road (the A367) to a narrow lane along the back of some houses, becomes a village street, climbs a hillside as a hollow way, crosses high ground as a relatively unspoilt agger raised above the surrounding fields, and finally disappears into another field showing no trace other than a line of a hedgerow. All the various surviving forms are represented here.
Roman routes do not pursue relentlessly straight alignments regardless of the physical characteristics of the country. The steep hillsides and uneven nature of the Box countryside, as well as the winding courses of the River Avon and its tributaries, have resulted in some compromises. However, where these have taken place a series of straight alignments is favoured with deviations commencing at prominent points of alignment. The Romans were far less compromising in choosing their routes than builders of roads for later wheeled traffic. As a result, Roman routes have either been adjusted to avoid steep hillsides as in the case of the southwestern Fosse Way or abandoned altogether like the Poole harbour road. Another factor in their survival, particularly to the north and east, is the apparently deliberate reluctance of people to settle in their vicinity. It should also not be forgotten that they were mostly conceived for temporary military and political purposes and do not necessarily follow natural routeways serving later trade and settlement. This was particularly the case for the Fosse Way to the northeast of Bath.
Scope remains for future work. The Southern Road through Ashley Wood between Bathford and Kingsdown remains uncertain and needs more detailed fieldwork. Because Bath possesses some of the most famous and picturesque Roman remains in Britain, the local road system is often overlooked. Nevertheless, the roads remain the most substantial and influential physical legacy of the Roman occupation of Britain. The study of their strategic conception, their choice of line, and their method of construction give some insight into the military and political thinking of the invaders and their immediate successors. Consideration of the road survival (or otherwise) reveals insight into patterns of settlement and trade in later times.
Sources
Ivan D Margary, Roman Roads in Britain, 1973, London
Sir Richard Colt Hoare, Ancient Wilts Roman Era, 1819
Professor Barry Cunliffe, The Roman The City of Bath, 1986, Gloucester
David E Johnston, Roman Roads in Britain, 1979, Spurbooks
Itinerarium Antonini Augusti, iter Britannarium
Ivan D Margary, Roman Roads in Britain, 1973, London
Sir Richard Colt Hoare, Ancient Wilts Roman Era, 1819
Professor Barry Cunliffe, The Roman The City of Bath, 1986, Gloucester
David E Johnston, Roman Roads in Britain, 1979, Spurbooks
Itinerarium Antonini Augusti, iter Britannarium