Dere Street

Dere Street was constructed around AD 80 by the Romans.
It ran from York to the Firth of Forth.
Forts were built at suitable intervals, Ebchester, Lanchester
and Binchester, also Piercebridge.
Catterick was an important supply depot with a large settlement.
The first forts were wooden but by the 3rd and 4th century AD forts were rebuilt in stone.
Fort layouts were built to similar designs, rectangular with rounded corners. They were protected by high walls with gates and towers.

Forts were usually in three areas:
In the centre were the most important buildings, the headquarter building, the commanding officers house and the granaries.
Barracks, workshops and stables were within the outside walls.


Directions to Lanchester Roman fort ruins:
From the A691 at Lanchester turn near the church onto the B6296
towards Satley and Hall Hill Farm
The fort ruins are a short way up the steep bank, They can be partly seen from the first layby on the left, with its small information sign. There isn't much of a view of the fort from the layby! Photograph taken in 2006.