Piercebridge Roman Fort

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Piercebridge Roman Fort looking south

Piercebridge Roman Fort (possibly originally known as Morbium) is situated in the village of Piercebridge on the banks of the River Tees in County Durham, England.

Artifacts found in Piercebridge suggest that there were Romans at Piercebridge as long ago as 70AD, where there was probably a ford across the Tees. By 125AD the first civil settlement had been built near the course of Dere Street. Some of the artefacts found at the site are on display at Bowes Museum at Barnard Castle.

The fort itself was built around 260-270AD and was maintained from c.290-350AD, with some later development. The fort appears to have followed the standard Roman plan, being rectangular in shape with towers at each corner. In the centre of each elevation of perimeter wall would have been a substantial gate through two of which Dere Street would have probably passed. Internally Piercebridge Fort would have comprised of several barracks blocks, granaries, workshops, the headquarters building, and the commandant's house.

A settlement was established to the east of the fort, known as a vicus, the latin name for the smallest form of civilian settlement. The site was finally abandoned by the Romans in the early 5th Century.

Parts of the ruins have been excavated and are open to the public. Admission is free and the site is open to the public at all times. Visible Roman remains at the site include the east gate and defences, a courtyard building and part of an internal road, though a large proportion of the substantial 11 acre fort now lies under later buildings, but a section of the eastern elevation is now preserved and on permanent public display.

Remains of Piercebridge Roman Bridge, which carried Dere Street over the River Tees can be seen nearby.