English Heritage

124Post-Wall Building

After Hadrian builds his wall, Corbridge provides support for it.

138Stone Buildings

Under Hadrian's successor, Antoninus Pius, the fort is rebuilt, using stone for many of the main buildings.

160sLegionary Base

Corbridge becomes a base for legionaries to help man Hadrian's Wall and is run as a supply depot and market.

180-81Another Fire

A fire destroys much of Corbridge, possibly during an invasion across Hadrian's Wall.

Early 3rd CenturyMilitary Compounds

Corbridge has special walled compounds for two legionary units, and a large town grows up around the garrison and supply centre.

Read a description of Corbridge Roman Town

Early 5th CenturyThe Romans Leave

The fort is apparently abandoned soon after Roman rule in Britain collapses.

1201Treasure Hunting

King John digs here for treasure, finding nothing but stones 'marked with brass, iron and lead'.

16th-18th CenturiesAntiquarian Interest

Antiquaries such as John Leland, William Camden and Roger Gale take an interest in the site.

1906-14First Excavations

Extensive yearly excavations explore the central area and remains in surrounding fields. A miniature railway is built to remove the spoil in wagons.

1933-47Given to the Nation

Landowner HD Cuthbert gives the central part of the site to the nation.

1947-73Archaeologists in Training

Annual training excavations at Corbridge produce a generation of Hadrian's Wall archaeologists and Roman army experts.

1964Corbridge Hoard

Archaeologists discover a disintegrated chest that contains a hoard of military equipment, tools and other items from the 2nd century.

See highlights from the collection at Corbridge

1980-PresentCurrent Management

The last major excavation takes place. The site is handed over to English Heritage.

Learn more about the history of Corbridge Roman Town