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Historic England Research Records

Johnsons Plain Roman Signal Station

Hob Uid: 15928
Location :
Cumbria
Eden
Stainmore
Grid Ref : NY8442014950
Summary : The site of Johnson's Plain Roman signal station. Excavation in 1988-9 confirmed the twin ring ditches shown on geophysical survey. Both average 2.09m wide by 0.95m deep. The entrance causeway showed no sign of metalling. The enclosed central area is a perfect circle 8.50m in diameter, with postholes indicating a central tower, 4.25m/sq, founded on 12 posts. There was also evidence for two external palisades outside the outer ditch. Although no dateable finds were made, the basic design is so distinctive that Higham and Jones' initial identification of the site as a Roman signal/watch tower can no longer be seriously doubted.
More information : (NY 8442 1495) Earthwork (? old quarry) near Banks Gate. (1)

Situated at NY 84421495 and levelled into the SE end of a hill shoulder is a circular hollowed area about 1.5m maximum depth and 24m from rim to rim. The interior is fairly even though the S section is partly mutilated by a probable spoil heap. There is no bank around the area. It is too even for quarrying and gives the smooth appearance of a drained pond but the situation is not suitable for this. Undoubtedly artificial but purpose unknown.
Surveyed at 1:2500. (2)

The siting and size are such that it is unlikely to be any form of platform house. (3)

Excavated and shown to be a Roman signal station similar to that at Punch Bowl (NY 81 SW 1). (4)

Johnson's Plain Roman signal station. Excavation in 1988-9 confirmed the twin ring ditches shown on geophysical survey. Both average 2.09m wide by 0.95m deep. The entrance causeway showed no sign of metalling. The enclosed central area is a perfect circle 8.50m in diameter, with postholes indicating a central tower, 4.25m/sq, founded on 12 posts. There was also evidence for two external palisades outside the outer ditch. Although no dateable finds were made, the basic design is so distinctive that Higham and Jones' initial identification of the site as a Roman signal/watch tower can no longer be seriously doubted. Excavation report. (5)
Sources :
Source Number : 1
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Source details : (CUC W50 20.7.45)
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Source details : F1 ISS 10-APR-75
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Source Number : 3
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Source details : F2 RE 13-MAY-75
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Source Number : 4
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Source details : Prof GDB Jones 22-OCT-76
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Source Number : 5
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Source details :
Page(s) : 19-29
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Vol(s) : 91
Monument Types:
Monument Period Name : Roman
Display Date : Roman
Monument End Date : 410
Monument Start Date : 43
Monument Type : Signal Station
Evidence : Earthwork
Components and Objects:
Related Records from other datasets:
External Cross Reference Source : National Monuments Record Number
External Cross Reference Number : NY 81 SW 2
External Cross Reference Notes :
Related Warden Records :
Associated Monuments :
Relationship type : General association
Related Activities :
Associated Activities :
Activity type : FIELD OBSERVATION (VISUAL ASSESSMENT)
Start Date : 1975-04-10
End Date : 1975-04-10
Associated Activities :
Activity type : FIELD OBSERVATION (VISUAL ASSESSMENT)
Start Date : 1975-05-13
End Date : 1975-05-13
Associated Activities :
Activity type : EXCAVATION
Start Date : 1976-01-01
End Date : 1976-12-31
Associated Activities :
Activity type : EXCAVATION
Start Date : 1988-01-01
End Date : 1990-12-31