Heddon on the Wall - Hadrian's Wall
English Heritage
A consolidated stretch of Wall, up to two metres thick in places. It was probably completed in AD 122 or 123.
History of Heddon-on-the-Wall
Most of Hadrian’s Wall from the outskirts of Newcastle as far as turret 33b further west lies under the Military Road, built in the aftermath of the Jacobite uprising of 1745. At Heddon, though, for a short distance the road turns slightly north, and stretches of Hadrian’s Wall 220 metres long and of the Wall-ditch to its north are visible. This fragment of the Wall is the best preserved of all those so far excavated which were built to broad gauge – the original specification for the Wall when building began about AD 122. A late medieval or post-medieval corn-drying kiln cut into the core of the Wall here is an example of the many ways in which its ruins were exploited by people living along its line.
Most of Hadrian’s Wall from the outskirts of Newcastle as far as turret 33b further west lies under the Military Road, built in the aftermath of the Jacobite uprising of 1745. At Heddon, though, for a short distance the road turns slightly north, and stretches of Hadrian’s Wall 220 metres long and of the Wall-ditch to its north are visible. This fragment of the Wall is the best preserved of all those so far excavated which were built to broad gauge – the original specification for the Wall when building began about AD 122. A late medieval or post-medieval corn-drying kiln cut into the core of the Wall here is an example of the many ways in which its ruins were exploited by people living along its line.
The Broad Wall
This length of Hadrian’s Wall was built to broad gauge, with a notional width of 10 Roman feet (2.96 metres). This was the original specification for the whole Wall when building began in about AD 122. Soon afterwards, however, this was reduced to the narrow gauge of 8 Roman feet (2.37 metres), again notional, presumably to increase the speed of building.
In all likelihood, the Wall at Heddon was completed late in AD 122 or at the beginning of the building season in AD 123 (though doubt has recently been cast on this dating – see Research on Heddon-on-the-Wall).
This length of Hadrian’s Wall was built to broad gauge, with a notional width of 10 Roman feet (2.96 metres). This was the original specification for the whole Wall when building began in about AD 122. Soon afterwards, however, this was reduced to the narrow gauge of 8 Roman feet (2.37 metres), again notional, presumably to increase the speed of building.
In all likelihood, the Wall at Heddon was completed late in AD 122 or at the beginning of the building season in AD 123 (though doubt has recently been cast on this dating – see Research on Heddon-on-the-Wall).
Defences
North of the Wall here, and separated from it by a level area or berm 6 metres wide, is a section of the ditch which ran the length of Hadrian’s Wall. The ditch can be seen more clearly just to the east, in the wood north of the Military Road (the B6528).
Recent excavations in Tyneside have shown that on the berm there are three lines of closely spaced pits; each pit probably held the ends of two forked branches to form an impenetrable entanglement – the Roman equivalent of barbed wire.[1] This system of pits was also seen in trenches dug for new water mains just beyond the summit of Great Hill to the east of the Wall at Heddon. It almost certainly continued in front of the Wall here.[2]
Later Roman History
Nothing is known for certain of the later Roman history of the Wall at Heddon. Just to the east, however, at the summit of Great Hill, is evidence that the Wall may have been repaired. The Wall’s continuation here was examined before its removal in 1926, when the modern road was placed in a shallow cutting. Between the Wall-faces there was a ‘concrete’ core which had to be removed by blasting.[3]
This is the only definitive instance of this type of core to have been recorded in the original construction of the Wall, or what has been so regarded. Normally, the core is of clay and rubble, or predominantly of rubble mixed with a little earth. At Heddon, there are contradictory descriptions of the core, stating that it was either mortared or of clay.[4]
These might be explained by the presence of both types of core in the substantial length which was exposed.
The rarity elsewhere of mortar being used in the core of the original Wall, and indeed the sparing use of it even in the Wall-faces (where sometimes clay was used for pointing instead), raises the possibility that the ‘concrete’ core represents a much later repair, made at a period when mortar was being used extensively in the renovation of the Wall.
North of the Wall here, and separated from it by a level area or berm 6 metres wide, is a section of the ditch which ran the length of Hadrian’s Wall. The ditch can be seen more clearly just to the east, in the wood north of the Military Road (the B6528).
Recent excavations in Tyneside have shown that on the berm there are three lines of closely spaced pits; each pit probably held the ends of two forked branches to form an impenetrable entanglement – the Roman equivalent of barbed wire.[1] This system of pits was also seen in trenches dug for new water mains just beyond the summit of Great Hill to the east of the Wall at Heddon. It almost certainly continued in front of the Wall here.[2]
Later Roman History
Nothing is known for certain of the later Roman history of the Wall at Heddon. Just to the east, however, at the summit of Great Hill, is evidence that the Wall may have been repaired. The Wall’s continuation here was examined before its removal in 1926, when the modern road was placed in a shallow cutting. Between the Wall-faces there was a ‘concrete’ core which had to be removed by blasting.[3]
This is the only definitive instance of this type of core to have been recorded in the original construction of the Wall, or what has been so regarded. Normally, the core is of clay and rubble, or predominantly of rubble mixed with a little earth. At Heddon, there are contradictory descriptions of the core, stating that it was either mortared or of clay.[4]
These might be explained by the presence of both types of core in the substantial length which was exposed.
The rarity elsewhere of mortar being used in the core of the original Wall, and indeed the sparing use of it even in the Wall-faces (where sometimes clay was used for pointing instead), raises the possibility that the ‘concrete’ core represents a much later repair, made at a period when mortar was being used extensively in the renovation of the Wall.
Post-Roman History
After the building of the Military Road, the Wall at Heddon remained as a mound capped by a hedge, though with some of its north face visible, until some date between 1867 and 1879, when the corn-drying kiln at the west end and a short length of the adjacent Wall were exposed.
In 1924 the remains were given to the Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle upon Tyne by the philanthropist Sir James Knott, and in 1927 a few trenches were dug to examine the north and south faces of the Wall. It was cleared and consolidated for permanent display in 1936–8 and passed into the care of the state.
After the building of the Military Road, the Wall at Heddon remained as a mound capped by a hedge, though with some of its north face visible, until some date between 1867 and 1879, when the corn-drying kiln at the west end and a short length of the adjacent Wall were exposed.
In 1924 the remains were given to the Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle upon Tyne by the philanthropist Sir James Knott, and in 1927 a few trenches were dug to examine the north and south faces of the Wall. It was cleared and consolidated for permanent display in 1936–8 and passed into the care of the state.
About the Author
Paul Bidwell is an independent archaeology and heritage consultant. He has published extensively on Hadrian’s Wall, Roman south-west England, Roman architecture and Roman ceramics.
Footnotes
1. P Bidwell, ‘The systems of obstacles on Hadrian’s Wall: their extent, date and purpose’, Arbeia Journal, 8 (2005), 53–75.
2. T Frain, J McKelvey and P Bidwell, ‘Excavations and watching briefs along the berm of Hadrian’s Wall at Throckley, Newcastle upon Tyne, in 2001–2002’, Arbeia Journal, 8 (2005), 29–52.
3. P Brewis, ‘Notes on the Roman Wall at Denton Bank, Great Hill and Heddon-on-the-Wall – Northumberland’, Archaeologia Aeliana, 4th series, 4 (1927), 109–21 (accessed 21 February 2013).
4. E Birley, ‘Hadrian’s Wall: some structural problems’, Archaeologia Aeliana, 4th series, 38 (1960), 39–60.
Paul Bidwell is an independent archaeology and heritage consultant. He has published extensively on Hadrian’s Wall, Roman south-west England, Roman architecture and Roman ceramics.
Footnotes
1. P Bidwell, ‘The systems of obstacles on Hadrian’s Wall: their extent, date and purpose’, Arbeia Journal, 8 (2005), 53–75.
2. T Frain, J McKelvey and P Bidwell, ‘Excavations and watching briefs along the berm of Hadrian’s Wall at Throckley, Newcastle upon Tyne, in 2001–2002’, Arbeia Journal, 8 (2005), 29–52.
3. P Brewis, ‘Notes on the Roman Wall at Denton Bank, Great Hill and Heddon-on-the-Wall – Northumberland’, Archaeologia Aeliana, 4th series, 4 (1927), 109–21 (accessed 21 February 2013).
4. E Birley, ‘Hadrian’s Wall: some structural problems’, Archaeologia Aeliana, 4th series, 38 (1960), 39–60.
Description of Heddon-on-the-Wall
Hadrian’s Wall at Heddon survives to a length of about 220 metres just to the east of the estimated position of milecastle 12. Built into its western end is a late medieval or post-medieval kiln.
Hadrian’s Wall at Heddon survives to a length of about 220 metres just to the east of the estimated position of milecastle 12. Built into its western end is a late medieval or post-medieval kiln.
Structure
In many places in this sector of Hadrian’s Wall the front (north) face of the Wall has been stripped of its facing stones; they were perhaps removed for use as hard core when the Military Road was built in the mid-18th century. The back (south) is better preserved, the Wall standing in some places to a height of six courses, or 1.4 metres.
The Broad Wall was usually built on a foundation consisting of a single course of flat slabs bonded with clay, which can be seen in places along the front of the Wall here. The lowest course varies in height from 0.22 metres to 0.30 metres; the large size of some of these blocks is typical of the Broad Wall on Tyneside. The lowest course is generally offset from the next course by 1–3 centimetres. In places there is no offset, and this was also absent in the fragment of Wall at the crown of Great Hill to the east, which was removed in 1926.
On the south face of the Wall, in a few places, traces of a hard, fine mortar adhere to the facing stones. This is possibly the remains of some form of rendering or decorative finish, comparable with the plaster finish found beneath the collapsed rear face of the Wall at Denton, just beyond where the Wall is next seen 4 miles to the east.[1]
Defensive walls in the Roman world were commonly plastered or whitewashed to emphasise their size.
North of the Wall a shallow depression marks the position of the Wall-ditch.
In many places in this sector of Hadrian’s Wall the front (north) face of the Wall has been stripped of its facing stones; they were perhaps removed for use as hard core when the Military Road was built in the mid-18th century. The back (south) is better preserved, the Wall standing in some places to a height of six courses, or 1.4 metres.
The Broad Wall was usually built on a foundation consisting of a single course of flat slabs bonded with clay, which can be seen in places along the front of the Wall here. The lowest course varies in height from 0.22 metres to 0.30 metres; the large size of some of these blocks is typical of the Broad Wall on Tyneside. The lowest course is generally offset from the next course by 1–3 centimetres. In places there is no offset, and this was also absent in the fragment of Wall at the crown of Great Hill to the east, which was removed in 1926.
On the south face of the Wall, in a few places, traces of a hard, fine mortar adhere to the facing stones. This is possibly the remains of some form of rendering or decorative finish, comparable with the plaster finish found beneath the collapsed rear face of the Wall at Denton, just beyond where the Wall is next seen 4 miles to the east.[1]
Defensive walls in the Roman world were commonly plastered or whitewashed to emphasise their size.
North of the Wall a shallow depression marks the position of the Wall-ditch.
Kiln
The corn-drying kiln is at the west end of the Wall, close to the medieval settlement of Heddon-on-the-Wall. The floor is paved, and the surrounding wall survives up to three courses high.
The corn-drying kiln is at the west end of the Wall, close to the medieval settlement of Heddon-on-the-Wall. The floor is paved, and the surrounding wall survives up to three courses high.
Footnote
1. P Bidwell and M Watson, ‘Excavations on Hadrian’s Wall at Denton, Newcastle upon Tyne, 1986–89’, Archaeologia Aeliana, 5th series, 24 (1996), 1–56.
1. P Bidwell and M Watson, ‘Excavations on Hadrian’s Wall at Denton, Newcastle upon Tyne, 1986–89’, Archaeologia Aeliana, 5th series, 24 (1996), 1–56.
Significance of Heddon-on-the-Wall
The remains at Heddon form one of the most impressive lengths of Hadrian’s Wall visible to the east of its central sector. They are also a reminder of the archaeological importance of the Wall in the lowland areas, which have always been more densely occupied than the uplands.
The remains at Heddon form one of the most impressive lengths of Hadrian’s Wall visible to the east of its central sector. They are also a reminder of the archaeological importance of the Wall in the lowland areas, which have always been more densely occupied than the uplands.
Survival
As well as being a fine surviving stretch of Wall, this fragment is the longest and best preserved of all those so far excavated which were built to broad gauge, the original specification for Hadrian’s Wall.
Hadrian’s Wall in the Lowlands
The Wall at Heddon shows that some lengths of Hadrian’s Wall can survive in lowland areas in as good a state as in the central sector.
Although the Wall in the lowland areas was used as a ready source of stone from the late 7th century onwards, much of significance survives. This is the case even when stone has been removed down to the foundations, for example, collapsed masonry on either side of the Wall, evidence of construction levels, and evidence of cultivation or even settlements preceding the building work.
Later Use of the Wall
The late medieval or post-medieval corn-drying kiln built into the core of the Wall is an unusual example of the ways in which later inhabitants put the ruins to use.
As well as being a fine surviving stretch of Wall, this fragment is the longest and best preserved of all those so far excavated which were built to broad gauge, the original specification for Hadrian’s Wall.
Hadrian’s Wall in the Lowlands
The Wall at Heddon shows that some lengths of Hadrian’s Wall can survive in lowland areas in as good a state as in the central sector.
Although the Wall in the lowland areas was used as a ready source of stone from the late 7th century onwards, much of significance survives. This is the case even when stone has been removed down to the foundations, for example, collapsed masonry on either side of the Wall, evidence of construction levels, and evidence of cultivation or even settlements preceding the building work.
Later Use of the Wall
The late medieval or post-medieval corn-drying kiln built into the core of the Wall is an unusual example of the ways in which later inhabitants put the ruins to use.
Research on Heddon-on-the-Wall
Very little research on the Roman remains at Heddon-on-the-Wall has been published. The only published excavation[1] consisted of a series of small trenches dug on either side of the Wall, before its wholesale clearance in 1936–8.
Very little research on the Roman remains at Heddon-on-the-Wall has been published. The only published excavation[1] consisted of a series of small trenches dug on either side of the Wall, before its wholesale clearance in 1936–8.
Current Understanding
Research on the Wall is constantly challenging previous interpretations of its history. It has recently been doubted whether much, if any, of the Broad Wall was completed before its specification was changed to narrow gauge.
If this were the case, it would mean that at Heddon the existing masonry would have been carried up to its full intended height of about 4–5 metres by a narrower wall.[2] Yet no trace of this later reduction in the width of the Wall has been seen in any of the surviving elements in the 12 miles west of Newcastle, including Heddon. It still seems more likely that most if not all of this length was completed to broad gauge to its full height.
Research Potential and Priorities
Each excavated length of Hadrian’s Wall contributes to our understanding of the building history of the Wall and its meaning. Further study of fragments such as Heddon, which were cleared for consolidation without any form of archaeological recording, can tell us little that is new. Investigation of the surrounding area at Heddon, however, would probably yield important information.
Research on the Wall is constantly challenging previous interpretations of its history. It has recently been doubted whether much, if any, of the Broad Wall was completed before its specification was changed to narrow gauge.
If this were the case, it would mean that at Heddon the existing masonry would have been carried up to its full intended height of about 4–5 metres by a narrower wall.[2] Yet no trace of this later reduction in the width of the Wall has been seen in any of the surviving elements in the 12 miles west of Newcastle, including Heddon. It still seems more likely that most if not all of this length was completed to broad gauge to its full height.
Research Potential and Priorities
Each excavated length of Hadrian’s Wall contributes to our understanding of the building history of the Wall and its meaning. Further study of fragments such as Heddon, which were cleared for consolidation without any form of archaeological recording, can tell us little that is new. Investigation of the surrounding area at Heddon, however, would probably yield important information.
- Relevant research priorities connected with the Wall are discussed in Frontiers of Knowledge, vol 2: Agenda and Strategy, sections S4.1.1–4.1.2.
- Geophysical survey or excavation should be able to recover the plan of the system of defensive pits which presumably lies in front of the Wall at Heddon as it does further east.
Sources for Heddon-on-the-Wall
The only account of excavation on this site is P Brewis, ‘Notes on the Roman Wall at Denton Bank, Great Hill and Heddon-on-the-Wall – Northumberland’, Archaeologia Aeliana, 4th series, 4 (1927), 109–21.
The only account of excavation on this site is P Brewis, ‘Notes on the Roman Wall at Denton Bank, Great Hill and Heddon-on-the-Wall – Northumberland’, Archaeologia Aeliana, 4th series, 4 (1927), 109–21.
Material Sources/Collections
As far as is known, no unpublished records of Brewis’s excavations survive. There is no mention in his account of pottery, small finds or coins. This is not surprising: it is not unknown for quite extensive excavations on the line of the Wall to produce no Roman finds apart from building materials.
Visual Sources
A lithograph (reproduced on the History of Heddon-on-the-Wall page) of a watercolour of 1848 by HB Richardson, showing the Wall at Heddon before it was excavated and cleared, was reproduced in the first edition of JC Bruce’s The Roman Wall (see below) and his subsequent publications on the Wall until 1884. It was then replaced in the second edition of his Handbook to the Roman Wall (see below) by an etching by CJ Spence (reproduced above).
The original watercolour by HB Richardson is in the Laing Art Gallery, Tyne and Wear Archives and Museums.
Drawings by James Irwin Coates (dated 1879) are reproduced in T Wilmott (ed), Hadrian’s Wall: Archaeological Research by English Heritage 1976–2000 (Swindon, 2009), 13–14.
Historic England ArchiveItems in the Historic England Archive at Swindon relating to Heddon-on-the-Wall include:
Copies of images and documents can be ordered through the website or by contacting the archive. For details of current charges for these services see the archive price list.
Antiquarian Accounts
Bruce, JC, The Roman Wall, 1st edn (London and Newcastle upon Tyne, 1851), 149 and facing plate [‘north face [of the Wall] is destroyed, but about five courses of the southern face are perfect’] [accessed 21 Feb 2013]
Bruce, JC, Handbook to the Roman Wall, 2nd edn (Newcastle upon Tyne, 1895), 55–7 and plate facing 51
Horsley, J, Britannia Romana: or the Roman Antiquities of Britain (London, 1732), 139 [the earliest account of the remains at Heddon-on-the-Wall (accessed 21 Feb 2013)]
PublicationsThe excellent website of the Heddon-on-the-Wall Local History Society includes a description of the historic setting of the site [accessed 21 Feb 2013].
Bidwell, P, ‘The systems of obstacles on Hadrian’s Wall: their extent, date and purpose’, Arbeia Journal, 8 (2005), 53–75
Bidwell, P and Watson, M, ‘Excavations on Hadrian’s Wall at Denton, Newcastle upon Tyne, 1986–89’, Archaeologia Aeliana, 5th series, 24 (1996), 1–56
Birley, E, ‘Hadrian’s Wall: some structural problems’, Archaeologia Aeliana, 4th series, 38 (1960), 39–60
Brewis, P, ‘Notes on the Roman Wall at Denton Bank, Great Hill and Heddon-on-the-Wall – Northumberland’, Archaeologia Aeliana, 4th series, 4 (1927), 109–21 [accessed 21 Feb 2013]
Frain, T, McKelvey, J and Bidwell, P, ‘Excavations and watching briefs along the berm of Hadrian’s Wall at Throckley, Newcastle upon Tyne, in 2001–2002’, Arbeia Journal, 8 (2005), 29–52
Hill, PR, The Construction of Hadrian’s Wall, BAR British Series 375 (Oxford, 2005)
As far as is known, no unpublished records of Brewis’s excavations survive. There is no mention in his account of pottery, small finds or coins. This is not surprising: it is not unknown for quite extensive excavations on the line of the Wall to produce no Roman finds apart from building materials.
Visual Sources
A lithograph (reproduced on the History of Heddon-on-the-Wall page) of a watercolour of 1848 by HB Richardson, showing the Wall at Heddon before it was excavated and cleared, was reproduced in the first edition of JC Bruce’s The Roman Wall (see below) and his subsequent publications on the Wall until 1884. It was then replaced in the second edition of his Handbook to the Roman Wall (see below) by an etching by CJ Spence (reproduced above).
The original watercolour by HB Richardson is in the Laing Art Gallery, Tyne and Wear Archives and Museums.
Drawings by James Irwin Coates (dated 1879) are reproduced in T Wilmott (ed), Hadrian’s Wall: Archaeological Research by English Heritage 1976–2000 (Swindon, 2009), 13–14.
Historic England ArchiveItems in the Historic England Archive at Swindon relating to Heddon-on-the-Wall include:
- nine aerial photographs of Hadrian’s Wall at Heddon-on-the-Wall taken in 1930, part of an album of aerial photographs taken between milecastles 6 and 18 [AL1232/023/01–AL1232/031/01]
- property file containing 12 sheets of drawings of Hadrian’s Wall at Heddon-on-the-Wall, dating from 1934 to 1989 [PF/HED].
Copies of images and documents can be ordered through the website or by contacting the archive. For details of current charges for these services see the archive price list.
Antiquarian Accounts
Bruce, JC, The Roman Wall, 1st edn (London and Newcastle upon Tyne, 1851), 149 and facing plate [‘north face [of the Wall] is destroyed, but about five courses of the southern face are perfect’] [accessed 21 Feb 2013]
Bruce, JC, Handbook to the Roman Wall, 2nd edn (Newcastle upon Tyne, 1895), 55–7 and plate facing 51
Horsley, J, Britannia Romana: or the Roman Antiquities of Britain (London, 1732), 139 [the earliest account of the remains at Heddon-on-the-Wall (accessed 21 Feb 2013)]
PublicationsThe excellent website of the Heddon-on-the-Wall Local History Society includes a description of the historic setting of the site [accessed 21 Feb 2013].
Bidwell, P, ‘The systems of obstacles on Hadrian’s Wall: their extent, date and purpose’, Arbeia Journal, 8 (2005), 53–75
Bidwell, P and Watson, M, ‘Excavations on Hadrian’s Wall at Denton, Newcastle upon Tyne, 1986–89’, Archaeologia Aeliana, 5th series, 24 (1996), 1–56
Birley, E, ‘Hadrian’s Wall: some structural problems’, Archaeologia Aeliana, 4th series, 38 (1960), 39–60
Brewis, P, ‘Notes on the Roman Wall at Denton Bank, Great Hill and Heddon-on-the-Wall – Northumberland’, Archaeologia Aeliana, 4th series, 4 (1927), 109–21 [accessed 21 Feb 2013]
Frain, T, McKelvey, J and Bidwell, P, ‘Excavations and watching briefs along the berm of Hadrian’s Wall at Throckley, Newcastle upon Tyne, in 2001–2002’, Arbeia Journal, 8 (2005), 29–52
Hill, PR, The Construction of Hadrian’s Wall, BAR British Series 375 (Oxford, 2005)
