Islafoot, Drumlanrig Temporary Camp

Marching or Temporary Camp

Aerial reconnaissance has recorded a Roman temporary camp on the East side of the River Nith at Drumlanrig. The rounded NW and NE angles are visible, together with parts of the W, N and E sides suggesting that the camp’s dimensions are about 240m by 260m.

Discovered in 1997 by Maxwell from the air, the camp at Islafoot lies to the east of a bend in the River Nith, across from the fort and camps at Drumlanrig. Parts of three sides are known from cropmarks, and it measures 220m from west to east by at least 200m transversely, enclosing at least 4.5ha (11 acres). No entrances have been recorded.

The camp is accompanied by a series of linear cropmarks to its north and east, possibly providing additional defence for the camp within the haughland. If the south side of the camp were very close to the river, then its north– south measurement could be as much as 250m, but it is more likely that the camp was closer to square in form, enclosing some 4.8ha (11.9 acres).

Map References for Islafoot Temporary Camp

NGRef: NX8599 OSMap: LR78

Roman Roads near Islafoot Temporary Camp

None identified

References for Islafoot, Drumlanrig Temporary Camp

Sites near Islafoot, Drumlanrig Temporary Camp