Andy and Laura from AB Heritage recently joined a group of students from London for an unforgettable trip to Vindolanda, a fascinating Roman fort and settlement in Northumberland. Located just south of Hadrian’s Wall, Vindolanda offers an incredible glimpse into life on the Roman frontier nearly 2,000 years ago.
Originally built around 85 AD—several decades before Hadrian’s Wall—Vindolanda was a wooden fort constructed to control the surrounding area and safeguard Roman interests in northern Britain. Over time, as the needs of the Roman soldiers evolved, Vindolanda saw multiple reconstructions including a transition from wood to stone. This allowed the fort to hold a greater number of soldiers. In 122 AD, when Emperor Hadrian ordered the construction of his famous wall, Vindolanda was already an established stronghold and became a vital support site for monitoring the Wall’s frontier.
Life at Vindolanda was vibrant and multicultural with soldiers from across the Roman Empire including regions like Gaul and Germany. This diversity is evident in the artefacts discovered here—everything from shoes and textiles to tools and even wooden writing tablets. The writing tablets, which were preserved by the site’s anaerobic soil and rediscovered in the 1970s, offer a rare, intimate look at daily life, with messages that detail shopping lists, military routines and personal letters. These glimpses into daily routines paint a vivid picture of the fort’s bustling community, which included not just soldiers but also their families, merchants and craftsmen.
Vindolanda remained in use as a fort into the early 4th century, though its significance declined as the Roman Empire began to retract its influence. By the late 4th century, many sites along Hadrian’s Wall, including Vindolanda, were abandoned or repurposed. After the Roman withdrawal from Britain in 410 AD, Vindolanda eventually fell into disuse, though some archaeological evidence suggests occasional occupation after this.
Interest in Vindolanda surged in the 19th century, but it wasn’t until the 20th century that full-scale excavations revealed its true significance. Today, the ongoing excavations by the Vindolanda Trust continue to uncover remarkable finds—leather goods, pottery, jewellery, tools and the famous Vindolanda Tablets. The museum on-site displays many of these artefacts, providing visitors with an authentic look at Roman military and civilian life.
Vindolanda’s well-preserved artefacts and detailed records make it a treasure trove for historians and archaeologists, providing some of the richest insights into the Roman Empire’s presence in Britain. The site remains a vibrant connection to Britain’s ancient past and an inspiring location for outreach and education—making Andy and Laura’s recent trip with the students a memorable learning experience for all involved.