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Geophysical survey in Pembrokeshire has revealed potentially promising evidence of a previously unknown Roman fort.
Dr Mark Merrony, a Fellow and Roman specialist at Wolfson College, Oxford, was examining satellite imagery of the area around a straight road, which he had been investigating as part of his studies of the ancient road networks of Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire, when he spotted a distinctive feature. ‘Much to my surprise and excitement, I could just about make out a rectangular feature with rounded corners beneath a large area of undergrowth. At around 2.9ha, it seemed to me about the right area and form to be a Roman auxiliary fort,’ he said.
After visiting the site and noting the presence of diagnostic hexagonal roofing slates and tantalising evidence of large banks and ditches concealed by a thicket, Mark was spurred to investigate further, and put together a team of geophysicists to conduct a survey of the site. This work, which combined magnetic susceptibility, magnetometry, and resistivity, revealed within its banks and ditches traces of features such as ditches, pits, post-holes, and possible foundations and platforms suggestive of a series of rectilinear structures.
The team have also indicated the line of a leat or aqueduct that runs on a consistent gradient into the site and may have served as a water source for the structure, entering through a now collapsed stone channel.
If the remains do represent a fort, this would be only the second known in Pembrokeshire; the other was found near Haverfordwest more than a decade ago. Discovering another military base would add valuable information to our understanding of the relationship between the Romans and local peoples. ‘It suggests that the Demetae tribe, who occupied the region of Dyfed (Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, and Pembrokeshire) and were assumed to be on good terms with the Romans, may not have been as favourably disposed to them as we once thought,’ Mark explained.
It is hoped that investigations of the site will continue with further resistivity survey to map out more of the site, and – dependent on funding – excavations targeting the possible buildings. The remains are currently undated, but Mark is optimistic that the recovery of pottery and other finds will help to establish a secure chronology for the site and its use – including, if it is confirmed to be a fort, which unit may have been stationed there.
Text: Rebecca Preedy / Photo: Mark Merrony
