Summary : The site of Roman Banks East Turret, or Turret 52a as it is also known, part of the defences supporting Hadrian's Wall. It is situated 170 metres west of Pike Hill Tower. The walls, which have undergone restoration, stand up to 14 courses - a maximum height of 1.75 metres. In 1933, excavations were undertaken by F. G. Simpson and I. A. Richmond, which uncovered remains of the demolished Turf Wall abutting the turret's east wall. The turret was in use from around the early 2nd century AD until at least the end of the 3rd century AD. There is an entrance on the south east side, and traces of two hearths and a low bench along the north west wall of the turret. |
More information : (NY 5747 6472) Turret (GS) (Remains of) (1)
"Turret 52a, less than 100 yards west of Pike Hill, is now displayed, under Ministry guardianship. It is a fine example of a Turf-Wall turret, with the characteristic plinth visible at front and back and the Stone Wall abutting upon it. It stands 14 courses high and a fallen piece of the superstructure lies just west of it". "The turret was intensively occupied until AD 296, after which it appears to have been used as a penthouse ...." Full excavation report, plan, photos. (2-3)
Since restoration the walls stand to a height of 1.25- 1.50m. There is an entrance on the SE side, and traces of two hearths and low bench along the north west wall. See GP's AO/F/51/133, 141, 142. (4)
No change. Surveyed at 1:2500. (5)
The turret was located in 1927 (6a). The turret at NY 5747 6472 is consolidated and under guardianship, with a maximum height of 1.75m. (6)
Banks East Turret is situated 170 metres west of Pike Hill Tower on Hadrian's Wall. The walls, stand up to 14 courses - a maximum height of 1.75 metres. In 1933, excavations were undertaken by F. G. Simpson and I. A. Richmond, which uncovered remains of the demolished Turf Wall abutting the turret's east wall. The turret was in use until at least the end of the 3rd century AD. (7)
The structural remains of this turret and the associated lengths of Hadrian's wall are visible on aerial photographs.(8)
The turret was the first section of curtain Wall to be placed in the guardianship of the Ancient Monuments department in 1934. The site and adjacent land were given by the landowners, after which the Ministry of Works masons carried out consolidation of the fabric. Later Anderson supervised repairs and first-aid work to the structure, adding new mortar where necessary. (9)
Located on the English Heritage map of Hadrian's Wall 2010. (10)
Basic directions for visitors: situated on minor road east of Banks village, 3 and a half miles NE of Brampton, OS map 86, map reference NY 575647. (11)
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