Stretford Bridge Temporary Camp

Of the two temporary marching camps discovered near Stretford Bridge the first to be established was probably the smaller marching camp at Craven Arms to the south, followed by the larger camp which occupies the inferior ground, this situation also increases the likelihood of the camps being contemporary. It is thought likely that they both date from the initial campaigns of Scapula westwards into Wales, and were possibly built within only a few days of each other, sometime in either 47AD or 48. The fort at Stretford Bridge is located only 38 yards (350m) to the north-west of the larger northern camp and postdates both of these temporary enclosures. The marching camp at Upper Affcot lies only 1½ miles (2.5km) to the north-east.

About 50% of the perimeter of the Stretford Bridge Temporary Camp is known, the complete western side measuring about 1,230 feet (c.375m) including two right-angles, and an attached length of the south defences 1,180 feet (c.360m) long. No gateways are identified. The eastern side of the camp may lie up to 390 feet (c.120m) to the east of the A49 road, which would mean an east-west dimension of 2,000 feet (c.610m) giving an enclosure of about 56½ acres (c.22.85ha). The path of Watling Street branches away from the modern A49 at a point just outside the camps north-eastern defences cutting obliquely across its eastern half, which may be interpreted to mean that the road is the later construction.

Map References for Stretford Bridge Temporary Camp (Stretford Bridge 1)

OS National Grid Reference: SO429841
Dimensions: 1,230 x c.1,180-2,000 ft (375 x c.360-610 m)
Area: c.33-56 acres (c.13-23 ha)

References for Stretford Bridge Temporary Camp (Stretford Bridge 1)

  • Air Reconnaissance in Britain, 1958-1960 by J.K. St. Joseph in J.R.S. li (1961) p.125;
  • Air Reconnaissance in Britain, 1961-1964 by J.K. St. Joseph in J.R.S. lv (1965) p.85;
  • Roman Camps in England – The Field Archaeology by the R.C.H.M.E.;

Roman Roads near Craven Arms / Stretford Bridge

None identified

Sites near Stretford Bridge Temporary Camp