More information : The Roman town has from the evidence of the Antonine Itinerary been identified as Lactodorum, a fact now universally accepted. Excavation has shown that the town was in the 1st-2nd centuries an open settlement on Watling street. In the late 2nd, early 3rd century the settlement was ditched and walled, and reduced in area. After destruction in the late 4th century the town was deserted (See Map diagram).
The Anglo Saxon Chronicle records the fortification of Towcester after an attack by the Danes in 921. Excavation found this wall of Edward the Elder set in the debris of the Roman wall.
The town was retained by the crown after the Norman conquest, and soon after a castle was built (Bury Hill).
In the 17th century Towcester was again walled on the Roman line, this time by Prince Rupert. The works were slighted in 1644 when the town was abandoned to the parliamentarians.
Remains of the ditch at the NW corner resurveyed at 1:2500 - the only surveyable Roman feature.
Name 'LACTODVRVM' accepted for 4th edition Roman Britain Map.
Roman town of Lactodorum (SP 689481). [Detailed account including historical summary pre-Roman to C17th, details of roads, defences, town interior, and extra mural settlement, based on bibliographic references up to 1978 and local information. RCHM plans]. (5)
Two silver, model axes found in the area of (SP 6948). (6)
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