The report on major research excavations between 1987 and 1992 is now in production, and will be published in the EH Archaeological Reports series towards the end of 1996. This report has been written in a form which integrates fully the important archaeological science component of the project.
The excavation sheds considerable light on the pre-Roman environment and the early history of Hadrian's Wall in the Birdoswald area. It concentrated upon the defences, west gate, granaries, and streets of the stone fort, as well as identifying industrial buildings, and a basilica of a type so far unique in any auxiliary fort in the Roman Empire. Perhaps the most important discovery was of a sequence of timber structures running on after the date of the latest Roman coins and ceramics. Although this phase afforded no opportunity for scientific dating, it is clear that it represents occupation beyond the 4th century into the 5th, and possibly even the 6th century. This evidence, which is the first substantive indication of the sub-Roman uses of a Wall fort, is comparable to the well known sequence from Wroxeter. There is little further evidence until the 12th century, when documentary references begin, although there are 2 pieces of Anglo-Saxon metalwork from the site.
The publication of the report, which will be a major addition to the literature of the Wall, complements the recently produced Hadrian's Wall Management Plan, and it is particularly timely in its emphasis on the uses of the Wall landscape over all periods. It is the final stage in a process which has seen close partnership with the site owners, Cumbria County Council, who have ensured that their site interpretation and development has always closely followed the archaeological work.
