Description

The monument comprises the remains of a Roman fort, visible as cropmarks captured on oblique aerial photographs. The fort dates probably to the late first or mid second century AD. The archaeological remains survive beneath the ploughsoil as buried features and deposits. The cropmarks identify the SE side of the fort and most of its interior, but fluvial erosion has destroyed part of the northern and western sectors. The fort measures approximately 180m on the NE side by at least 110m on the SW side, enclosing about 5 acres. A system of five ditches defines its perimeter, possibly suggesting two periods of use, and a series of buildings and thoroughfares are clearly visible in the interior. The camp is strategically located on the left bank of the Dryfe Water, approximately 300m above its confluence with the Annan.

The scheduled area is irregular on plan, to include the remains described above and an area around them within which evidence relating to the monument's construction, use and abandonment is expected to survive, as shown in red on the accompanying map. The scheduled area specifically excludes the wooded area mapped as 'Fox Covert' and the post-and-wire fence on the western edge of the monument.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

The monument is of national importance because it has an inherent potential to contribute to our understanding of Roman forts in Scotland, including their dating, design, methods of construction, uses and wider role. Although no longer surviving as an upstanding earthwork, there is high potential for buried remains to survive in the fills of the ditches, including dateable organic remains and artefactual evidence relating to the occupation of fort. Within the fort, there is high potential for the survival of occupation evidence in the form of rubbish pits. bread ovens and latrine pits, which can inform our understanding of the lives of Roman soldiers while in the field. Organic evidence from the fills of the ditches around the camp could provide information about the landscape and environment at the time of the camp's construction. Spatial analysis of forts and the Roman road networks they protected can inform our understanding of Roman military strategy and offer insights into the impact of the Roman occupation on local Iron Age communities and the landscape. The loss of the monument would affect our understanding of the construction and use of forts by the Roman army and our knowledge of Roman military structure, economy and social practices.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

The RCAHMS record the monument as Ladyward Roman fort, NY18SW 96. The Dumfries and Galloway HER has given the monument the reference number DG8552.

Aerial photographs used:

B17458, B17459/CN, B18781, B17454/CN, B17455/CN, B17457/CN, B17456/CN, B18780, B18777, B18778, B18779.

Copyright RCAHMS.

References

Frere, S S 1990, 'Roman Britain in 1989. I Sites explored', Britannia 21, 312-13.

RCAHMS 1997, Eastern Dumfrieshire: An archaeological landscape, Edinburgh: The Stationery Office, 177.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland