Broomholm Roman Fort

Flavian Auxiliary Fort (AD 69–96)

The Broomholm fort covers an area of 4¼ acres (1.7 ha) and lies in Lowland Scotland near the border with England. The fort is thought to have been founded in the years following the battle at Mons Graupius in the Scottish Highlands, perhaps during the administration of Sallustius Lucullus c.85AD. It is probable that this fort continued to be occupied until around 100AD, at which time all of the Scottish forts were abandoned and the Roman military took up positions along the Stanegate in northern England. The fort was replaced by a smaller fortlet of 2 acres (0.8 ha) sometime during the Antonine period.

The Dateable Pottery Evidence

The pottery recovered from the Broomholm fort contains a single potters stamp, that of Modestus on a piece of Form 27, and the South Gaulish decorated wares were represented by three sherds of Form 29 & a single piece of Form 37, all of which may be dated to the Flavian-Trajanic period.

Other Roman Sites in the Area

A temporary marching camp of 25¼ acres (10.2 ha) lies a little to the south of the Broomholm fort at Gilnockie (NY3879).

References for Broomholm

  • The Roman Occupations of Scotland by B.R. Hartley in Britannia iii (1972) pp.1-55.

Map References for Broomholm

NGRef: NY3781 OSMap: LR79

Roman Roads near Broomholm

Possible Road: S (7.5) to Castra Exploratorvm (Netherby, Cumbria)

Sites near Broomholm Roman Fort