More information : (NZ 98070179) Roman Signal Station (NR) (Remains found AD 1774). (1)
The traditional identification of this site as that of a Roman
signal station and fort rests on the discovery of a dedication-slab
in 1774 and interpretations of its inscription, and on the site,
which is a high promontory known as The Peak, comparable with other Yorkshire coastal signal station sites. The stone was found in a 'heap of ruins' lying about a yard below the surface a few yards from the corner of Raven Hall (built or rebuilt in 1774 and again in 1830) on the NE, where there were 'traces of ruins' in 1817. (Possibly better sited at NZ 98090181). But in 1930 a shaft was found under the kitchen floor which is thought to have been a ventilator for old alum works. The ruins among which the
dedication-slab was found may therefore have been connected with the alum works, and consequently the slab may not have been in situ.
The inscription on the dedication slab, which can be dated to the
late 4th century, was garbled by the Roman mason and various interpretations of it have been suggested. The accepted translation is "Just in ianus, commander, Vindicianus, magister, built this tower and fort from ground level". The stone is in Whitby
Museum. (2-3)
The traditional identification of this site as that of a Roman signal station and fort rests on the discovery of a dedication-slab in 1774 and interpretations of its inscription, and on the site, which is a high promontory known as The Peak, comparable with other Yorkshire coastal signal station sites. The stone was found in a 'heap of ruins' lying about a yard below the surface a few yards from the corner of Raven Hall (built or rebuilt in 1774 (NMR635249) and again in 1830) on the NE, where there were 'traces of ruins' in 1817. (Possibly better sited at NZ 9809 0181). But in 1930 a shaft was found under the kitchen floor which is thought to have been a ventilator for old alum works. The ruins among which the dedication-slab was found may therefore have been connected with the alum works, and consequently the slab may not have been in situ. The inscription on the dedication slab, which can be dated to the late 4th century, was garbled by the Roman mason and various interpretations of it have been suggested. The accepted translation is `Justinianus, commander, Vindicianus, magister, built this tower and fort from ground level'. (4)
|