Hadrian's Wall - Milecastle 19 - Matfen Piers

Hadrian's Wall Milecastle

Milecastle 19 (Matfen Piers) was a – Milecastle of the Roman Hadrian’s Wall. Sited just to the east of the hamlet of Matfen Piers, the – Milecastle is today covered by the B6318 Military Road. The – Milecastle is notable for the discovery of an altar by Eric Birley in the 1930s. An inscription on the altar is one of the few dedications to a mother goddess found in Roman Britain, and was made by members of the First Cohort of Varduli from northern Spain. The presence of the Vardulians at this – Milecastle has led to debate amongst archaeologists over the origins of troops used to garrison the wall. A smaller altar was found at one of the two associated turrets. – Milecastle 19 was a long-axis – Milecastle with Type III gateways.

Sites near Hadrian's Wall - Milecastle 19 - Matfen Piers