Cullompton Forts

Flavian Auxiliary Fort (AD 69–96)

Possible forts were photographed at two sites in the Culm valley in 1984. One of these was on St Andrew’s Hill (ST 018076) on the north-west edge of Cullompton (Devon).

Crop-marks show a double ditch enclosing most of the south and west sides, each with a causeway for the gate, parts of the north side, and enough of the NE angle to infer the position of the remaining side. This gives dimensions of approximately 135 m by 75 m and an area of one hectare (2½ acres). Two parallel lengths of ditch outside the west gate resemble titula, providing.an unusual defence in depth if truly in contemporary use. Among various internal features it is possible to recognize four of the post-pits of the west gate and perhaps a colonnade and well in the courtyard of the principia. This fort lies within a slightly larger rectangle of former field boundaries, and examination on the ground suggests the possibility that the larger enclosure might also have been a Roman fort, covering some 1.8. ha (4½ acres). Pottery from the site (whether of one fort or two) could be dated as being earlier than A.D. 75. Immediately to the east crop-marks reveal the eastern half of a further enclosure with two widely spaced ditches; its inferred west side appears to underlie the fort(s). It is not evident from its plan whether this is a Roman military work or not. The site of these various enclosures is a low hill on the west side of the Culm, with an excellent view north-eastwards upstream towards Uffculme but only a limited outlook in other directions.” (Maxwell & Wilson, 1987)

References for Cullompton

Air Reconnaissance in Roman Britain 1977-1984 by G.S. Maxwell & D.R. Wilson in Britannia xviii (1987) p.5.

Map References for Cullompton

NGRef: ST0107 OSMap: LR192

Roman Roads near Cullompton

None identified

Sites near Cullompton Forts