Kirkby Thore 3 Temporary Camp

Marching or Temporary Camp

Kirkby Thore 3 is a sub-rectangular camp which lies some 230 feet (70m) outside the south-west defences of Camps-1 & 2. All but the south-east sides are recorded but sufficient remains of the south-west corner-angle to ascertain its original dimensions. None of the many gaps in its perimeter can be positively identifed as gates. This was probably the last camp to be built as the others occupy the more-favourable ground.

These camps all lie some distance from the Roman road running through the upper Eden valley, which presumably indicates that the camps predate the road. The reduction in size of the main camp and the presence of another small camp nearby also indicate that they were the product of active campaigning. These two factors have prompted historians to conclude that the complex very likely dates to the initial Roman campaigns in the north-west during the early 70’s AD.

Aside from the fort of Bravoniacum which guards the Roman road junction a few miles to the north-east, there is another marching camp at Crackenthorpe (NY6523) a couple of miles along the line of the Eden valley road to the south-east.

Map References for Kirkby Thore Camps

OS National Grid Reference: NY624250
Dimensions: 340 x 377 ft (104 x 115 m)
Area: 3 acres (1.2 ha)

References for Kirkby Thore Camps

  • Roman Camps in England – The Field Archaeology by the R.C.H.M.E.
  • The Carvetii by Higham and Jones (Sutton, 1985)

Roman Roads near Kirkby Thore Camps

None identified

Sites near Kirkby Thore 3 Temporary Camp