Knockcross Temporary Camp

Marching or Temporary Camp

Knockcross Temporary Camp is a small, sub-rectangular camp which lies only 710 yards (650m) to the east of the Bowness on Solway fort, and is situated on the edge of low cliffs overlooking the southern shore of the Solway estuary. All of its perimeter has been recorded except to the north, where natural erosion has removed all traces of defences. The camp is trapezoidal in outline with gateways in the eastern and western defences, each defended by a traverse earthwork called a titulum, set about ten metres forward of the rampart. Hadrian’s Wall passes some 200 yards (190m) to the south-west (i.e. behind) this camp, perhaps indicating that the camp preceded the Wall. Its north-east corner is occupied by a modern house called the Grey Havens (reminiscent of Tolkien), formerly the old Police houses.

References for Knockcross Camp

  • Roman Camps in England – The Field Archaeology by the R.C.H.M.E.

Map References for Knockcross Camp

NGRef: NY2362 OSMap: LR85

OS National Grid Reference: NY230627
Dimensions: c.243 x 328 ft (c.74 x c.100 m)
Area: 1½ acres (0.6 ha)

Roman Roads near Knockcross Camp

None identified

Sites near Knockcross Temporary Camp