| Summary : The site of tower 13A, part of the Roman frontier defences along the Cumbrian coast supporting Hadrian's Wall. The correct site was pointed out on the ground by the excavator, Mr R. L. Bellhouse at NY 0982 5066, where a field boundary crosses the summit of a 13m high natural ridge with excellent views seaward and to the north and south. At this spot there is a pronounced rise, around which is a large quantity of sandstone some showing chisel marks. The approximate position of excavation, whether pre- or post-excavation was seen as a cleared area and mapped from 1948 RAF photography. |
More information : (NY 0982 5062) Tower No 13A, identified by excavation on 22nd October 1954. The remains of a modern dike cross the site from east to west. Only the foundations of the tower were found, 12.5 ft square internally. Samian and coarse pottery were found, also, from the foundations an almost mint condition coin of Hadrian dateable to 119-121 AD. The coin and pottery provide conclusive evidence of Hadrianic occupation. (1-2)
No visible remains. The dike agrees with the northings of Birley's grid reference. (3)
(NY 0982 5062) ROMAN TOWER 13A [R] (site of) [NAT] (4)
NY 098 507. Wolsty Bank turret 13a, scheduled. (5)
The site of tower 13a is wrongly positioned on OS maps (authority 4). The correct site was pointed out on the ground by the excavator, Mr R. L. Bellhouse (6a) at NY 0982 5066 where a field boundary crosses the summit of a 13m high natural ridge with excellent views seaward and to the north and south. At this spot there is a pronounced rise, around which is a large quantity of sandstone some showing chisel marks. (6)
Scheduled. (7)
An area of cleared ground measuring approximately 9 m by 11 m at NY 0986 5067, probably an area cleared for excavation, was seen and mapped from 1948 RAF photography. Whether this photograph is pre or post excavation, the Tower is not visible on this photograph. (8)
Located on the English Heritage map of Hadrian's Wall 2010. (9) |