Stretford Bridge 2 Temporary Camp (Craven Arms)

Marching or Temporary Camp

Of the two temporary marching camps discovered near Stretford Bridge the first to be established was probably the smaller marching camp at Craven Arms to the south, followed by the larger camp which occupies the inferior ground, this situation also increases the likelihood of the camps being contemporary. It is thought likely that they both date from the initial campaigns of Scapula westwards into Wales, and were possibly built within only a few days of each other, sometime in either 47AD or 48. The fort at Stretford Bridge is located only 38 yards (350m) to the north-west of the larger northern camp and postdates both of these temporary enclosures. The marching camp at Upper Affcot lies only 1½ miles (2.5km) to the north-east.

The small Stretford Bridge 2 Temporary Camp (Craven Arms) lies less than 130 feet (40m) to the east of Watling Street and is not aligned with it. Only the western parts can be traced; the two western angles, the complete west side measuring 410 feet (125m), with an adjoining 280 feet (85m) of the north side and an interrupted 345 feet (105m) stretch of the south side. There is no trace of any ditches to thee east so the original size of the camp cannot be known with any accuracy without excavation. The known defences enclose an area of at least 3¼ acres (c.1.3ha).

Map References for Stretford Bridge 2 Temporary Camp (Craven Arms)

Also known as: Stretford Bridge 2
OS National Grid Reference: SO430837
Dimensions: 410 x c.345 ft (125 x c.105 m)
Area: 3¼ acres (1.3 ha)

References for Stretford Bridge 2 Temporary Camp (Craven Arms)

  • Air Reconnaissance in Britain, 1958-1960 by J.K. St. Joseph in J.R.S. li (1961) p.125;
  • Air Reconnaissance in Britain, 1961-1964 by J.K. St. Joseph in J.R.S. lv (1965) p.85;
  • Roman Camps in England – The Field Archaeology by the R.C.H.M.E.;

Roman Roads near Craven Arms / Stretford Bridge

None identified

Sites near Stretford Bridge 2 Temporary Camp (Craven Arms)