Sunday, 1 June 2025

Arbeia Roman Fort, South Shields, UK


 Arbeia Roman Fort is in South Shields, UK. The site is now a museum. It is here that the Roman heddle was found in the late 19th century. 
The Romans occupied the site from 125 CE. It became a supply base for the Roman frontier and many granaries were built. 

Various buildings in the site have been reconstructed: the gatehouse, barrack blocks and the commanders house.

Reconstructed gate

The barrack blocks were very cramped for the ordinary soldier. 


The barrack block

The barrack housed the centurion and his family at one end.  The soldiers in groups of eight shared two rooms - very cramped indeed. 



Centurions bedroom

In contrast the centurion had more spacious quarters at one end of the block. 



Centurions kitchen.

The large courtyard house was probably the residence of the commanding officer and were very luxurious.
















Summer dining room



Commanders courtyard
The last rebuilding of the fort marked the arrival of the a new unit of Tigris bargemen. Arbeia may  mean 'the place of the Arabs'. It is thought to have been  formally known as Lugudunum. By the fifth century it was a srtonghold controlling the northern area. 

It was a fascinating day out as we had not visited the fort for many years.  
The South Shields heddle is now in the Great North Museum in Newcastle. 

reproduction heddle with the actual Roman find.

happy weaving

Susan J Foulkes  may 2025