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Whitely Castle
Those of you who are fans of Bernard Cornwell will know Whitley castle from his latest book: those of you who know their Roman stuff will know it as Epiacum Fort: and those who really know their stuff will know it’s the most complex set of defences in the Roman world
Crammed between the grass and sky
And what a setting it is: crammed between the grass and the sky, the fortress sits on a high ridge above the Road, imposing itself on the surrounding countryside. The remains of the defences are like green frozen waves rolling out from the walls and the remains of the corner towers are so clear you can practically still see the chilled garrison huddling around the fires, avoiding the chilly winds racing across the bleak beautiful fells.
Lozenge Shape
The location is narrow, and so the fort is less a rectangle and more a lozenge. The overlooking fells were clearly of sufficient worry for the various commanders to keep his lads busy adding to and complicating the banks that run away in rolling damp grassy undulations from the fort, but aside from a few isolated farms and an RAF fighter or 2 we reckoned the builders of this place would easily recognize it today
The only locals in sight were woolly, the only people were us, and the only sound was that of the drone and the wind, and we could have stayed forever. A place we will definitely visit again, and if you haven’t then take my advice. Do.
Unidentified copper-alloy object, cast in one piece, probably of Roman to medieval date. It is sub-circular and flat (bifacial) with multiple small sub-triangular radial projections around the most of the perimeter and multiple perforations within. [...]
A Post Medieval silver half groat of Elizabeth I (AD 1558-1603). Third issue (North 2016). Tun initial mark dating to AD 1591/2-94. London mint. North (1991: 137). Overall dimensions: 16mm in diameter, 0.5mm in thickness and 0.84g in weight. [...]
An incomplete silver sceat or half sceat of Early Medieval date. Standard Series (North 45 Series E) dating to c. AD 680-710. North (1994: 60). Coin appears to have been clipped, removing some of the detail. Obverse description: [...]
Copper alloy coin. Radiate, possibly of Claudius II (268-270), Reece period 13Obverse description: Radiate bust draped and cuirassed rightObverse inscription: IMP CL[AVDI]VS PF AVGReverse description: nude figure striding left with raised right hand, left holds [...]
Silver coin. Penny of Edward I (1272-1307), class 4a issue of 1282-1289, London mint, edge-split flan.Obverse description: facing bust with broad trifoliate crown, drapery of angled wedges; initial cross potentObverse inscription: +EDW R’ANGL’DNS hYBReverse description: [...]
Silver coin. Penny of Edward II (1307-1327), probably class 10cf5 issue of 1307-1310, London mint Obverse description: facing bust with broad bifoliate crown, smiling face, drapery of angled wedges; initial cross pattee.Obverse inscription: [+EDW]A R [...]
Silver coin. Voided long cross cut halfpenny of Henry III (1216-1272), class 5a issue of 1250-1256, Canterbury mintObverse description: facing bust with sceptre left; hair and right [left] includes a neat curlObverse inscription: hENRIC(---)Reverse description: [...]
An incomplete Medieval cast copper-alloy enamelled shield shaped heraldic harness pendant dating c. 1250-1400.The pendant is shield shaped, comprising a flat topped shield (heater shape) with an incomplete integral pierced suspension loop set at 90°s to [...]
An incomplete medieval copper alloy vesica shaped seal matrix dating c. 1200-1400. The seal is pointed oval in plan with a truncated suspension loop on the reverse. The design is worn but comprises an incuse central fleur de lis, there [...]
A complete silver sceat or half sceat of Early Medieval date. London Connected Series (North 99 Series N, BMC 41b) dating to c. AD 710-50. Obverse description: Dragon left. Reverse description: two men with crossesOverall dimensions:10.7mm in diameter, 1.7mm in [...]
A copper alloy trade token dating to the Post Medieval period (AD 1648-1672). The token was issued by Richard Bedoes, Alderman of the City of Worcester and Mayor in 1661. The object is heavily worn. Williamson [...]
A complete lead alloy bag seal dating to the Modern period (AD 1856-1894). The object is sub-circular in shape and rectangular in cross-section. The object is decorated in low relief with a raised circular border on both sides.Obverse: image of a [...]
A complete lead alloy spindle whorl dating to the Medieval to Post Medieval periods (c. AD 1100 - 1600). The object is bi-convex; circular in plan with a prominent medial rib and a central circular central aperture measuring [...]
A complete copper alloy thimble dating to the late Post Medieval to Modern period (c. AD 1800-1900). The object is machine-made with a thickened rim, sloping sides and a domed crown. Above the rim is an inscription, [...]
A corroded Roman copper alloy nummus of the House of Valentinian dating to AD 364-378 (Reece Period 19). [SECVRITAS REIPVBLICAE] reverse type, depicting victory advancing left with wreath and palm. Uncertain mint. [...]
A complete copper alloy clog clasp dating to the Post Medieval to early Modern period (c. AD 1790-1900). The plate is rectilinear at one end and rounded at the opposing end. The rounded end has a pelta-shaped [...]
A complete copper alloy clog clasp dating to the Post Medieval to early Modern period (c. AD 1790-1900). The plate is rectilinear at one end and rounded at the opposing end. The rounded end has a pelta-shaped [...]
A Roman to Medieval lead alloy vessel repair/pot mend, dating to AD 43 - 1500. It consists of two sub oval plugs sandwiched together. Between the two pieces some pink ceramic pieces remain. The item has a cream- grey patina. Length: 20.7 mmWidth: 18.1 mmThickness: 9.6 mmWeight: 13.7 gPot mends [...]
A Medieval copper alloy casket key, dating to AD 1100 - 1500. It has a flat, circular bow and an oval stem which is hollow at the outer end. A simple, flat, rectangular bit depends from the [...]
