Segedunum – the most thoroughly-excavated Roman fort along Hadrian’s Wall – is located very close to Wallsend Metro station, the only Metro station in the world with Latin signage. 

It was built in the second century AD as part of the Roman frontier system known as Hadrian's Wall, which stretched across northern Britain. Building of Segedunum began around 122 AD under the orders of Emperor Hadrian. The fort was strategically positioned at the eastern end of Hadrian's Wall, near the banks of the River Tyne. Its primary function was to guard the eastern-most point of the wall and control the transfer of people and goods across the river. By visiting you can find out more about what it was like to live under Emperor Hadrian and the lifestyle the Romans would have led.

The fort originally covered an area of approximately 2.2 hectares and was designed in a typical Roman fort layout. It consisted of a curtain wall made of stone, with gateways, towers, and defensive ditches. Inside the fort, there were barracks, granaries, workshops, a hospital, and an officer's residence. The architecture and design of Segedunum reflect the military and administrative functions of the Roman army. One of the most notable features of Segedunum is its reconstructed Roman bathhouse, which is the most complete example of its kind in Britain. The bathhouse offered a range of facilities, including hot and cold plunge pools, saunas, and an exercise courtyard. It provided the soldiers with a place to relax, socialize, and maintain their personal hygiene. This was an new era for civil engineering in terms of drainage and sanitation, with some of those principles still in use today. 

The Roman Fort provides valuable insights into the Roman occupation of Britain and the significance of Hadrian's Wall as a frontier defence system. It offers a glance at into the everyday lives of Roman soldiers and  exchanges that took place between the Romans and the local population during this period of history.

Segedunum is an important site for understanding the Roman occupation of Britain and the significance of Hadrian's Wall in the Roman frontier defences. It offers visitors a chance to explore and learn about this fascinating period in history. Hadrian's Wall has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987 and is one of Britain's most famous historical landmarks. Today, visitors can explore the wall and its associated sites, including museums and archaeological excavations.  Discover more about Hadrian's Wall

Hadrian's Wall stands as a testament to the Roman Empire's presence in Britain and its enduring impact on the region's history and culture. Here you can Take the Kids for Free