DESCRIPTION OF HARDKNOTT FORT

Historians date the most dramatic remains of the Roman occupation (they occupied the Lake District for 350 years) back to around AD125. The fort was constructed to control the road from Ravenglass to Ambleside. The remains stretch across an area of around 2¾ acres. Hardknott fort or “MEDIOBOGDUM” to the Romans is situated in one of the most stunning and steep roads in Cumbria. Needless to say the drive through Hardknott is not for the nervous driver!

On a spur of land projecting from the mountain is this Roman fort covering approximately three acres. As usual it is square, with stone walls each pierced by a gate. Excavations have revealed the foundations of most of the internal buildings including a small bath block. The the north-east is a large parade ground.