Old Carlisle (Maglona) Roman Fort

Old Carlisle Roman Fort lay on the Roman road running southwest of Carlisle, around 10 miles from the city. To the south-west, some 15 miles away, was Papcastle, a significant Roman town. The fort itself is positioned just south of Wigton, set on a slight mound with a stream cutting through gullies to its southwest and northwest. The precise date of its first occupation is uncertain, with debate over whether it began in the late 1st century or early 2nd century.

Covering an area of about 4.5 acres, the fort was enclosed by a double ditch. Its size suggests it was built as a cavalry base, and evidence points to the presence of an ala of 500 horsemen known as “the Augustan Wing.” This unit, formerly stationed at Chesters, is recorded at Old Carlisle by an altar dated to AD 188.

Around the fort developed a civil settlement (vicus), stretching to the south, east, and north. Partial excavations indicate timber construction from the 2nd century, destroyed during the 3rd century but later rebuilt, with occupation continuing into the 4th century. To the south of the fort, just north of the Roman road, lies the outline of a mansio—an official posting house with a courtyard plan resembling that of a commander’s residence, intended for travellers of high status. East of the stream, traces of an aqueduct have also been identified.

Despite its importance, Old Carlisle has never been fully excavated, and much of its history remains unclear. What is known, however, shows it was a well-situated cavalry fort with a thriving civilian community and infrastructure typical of a long-lived Roman military site.

Sites near Old Carlisle (Maglona) Roman Fort

• Blennerhasset Roman Fort (9 km)
  Flavian Auxiliary Fort (AD 69–96)
• Caermote Roman Fort (11 km)
  Trajanic Auxiliary Fort (A.D. 98–117)
• Kirkbride Roman Fort (11 km)
  Flavian Auxiliary Fort (AD 69–96), Stanegate Fort, Supply Depot and Western Sea Defences
• Burgh by Sands 2 Temporary Camp (13 km)
  Marching or Temporary Camp
• Hadrian's Wall - Fort - Drumburgh (Concavata) (13 km)
  Hadrian's Wall Fort
• Burgh by Sands 1 Temporary Camp (13 km)
  Marching or Temporary Camp
• Burgh-by-Sands Early - Hadrianic Fort (13 km)
  Hadrian's Wall Fort
• Hadrian's Wall - Milecastle 76 - Drumburgh (13 km)
  Hadrian's Wall Milecastle
• Burgh-by-Sands Watch Tower (13 km)
  Hadrians Wall Signal Station
• Hadrian's Wall - Milecastle 75 - EastonBurgh Marsh (13 km)
  Hadrian's Wall Milecastle