Roman Heritage

Roman remains fascinate us and they have been found on several sites in Darlington. But, our Roman Heritage is most vividly appreciated at the Darlington village of Piercebridge, where the remains of Piercebridge Roman Fort can be found.

Roman findings at Piercebridge go back as long ago as 70AD when it could have been a strategic river crossing. By 125AD the first civil settlement was built, beside the early line of the Roman Dere Street.

The late fort, of which remains can be visited today, was large and thought to have been built around 270AD. Remains of defensive ditches, walls, courtyard buildings and even a hypocaust heating system can be clearly seen. Some of the 'treasure' or artefacts from the site are on display at the nearby Bowes Museum at Barnard Castle.