Hadrian's Wall

Frontier of the Roman Empire

Hadrian’s Wall is the most important monument built by the Romans in Britain. Internationally celebrated as a World Heritage Site, it is the best known frontier in the entire Roman Empire, and stands as a reminder of past glories of one of the worlds greatest civilisations. Being there still invokes a sense of standing at the edge of the world.

Spanning nearly 2000 years of history, a visit to Hadrian’s Wall is a must for anyone living in or visiting the North of England. Forts, museums and events bring Roman history to life, walks lead you through spectacular countryside. Time spent exploring this unique Roman heritage in its ever-changing setting will leave you with an unparalleled sense of awe and wonder.

Who Built the Wall and Why?

The Wall was built by order of the Emperor Hadrian, who came to Britain in AD 122. Over the next six years, the army built a wall 80 Roman mile long (117km or 73 modern miles), some 5 metres (15 feet) high, east to west from Wallsend to Bowness.

Hadrian’s Roman biographer says that the Wall was built ‘to separate the Romans from the Barbarians’. By the early 400’s, the empire had declined and Britain was abandoned.

The Wall became derelict and stones were re-used in local building and field walls. What we see today is all the more precious for being the last remains of such and incredible Roman structure.

A project is currently being carried out by the Aerial Survey of English Heritage, mapping the entire length of the Wall and all archaeological features in its vicinity from aerial photographs. The results of the project will help inform the management plan for the World Heritage Site covering the Wall.

Every footstep counts, taking care of the Wall

During the winter months the World Heritage Site is an especially fragile environment. You can help protect one of the great wonders of the world by following the advice below.

• Always keep to the signed path
• Visit the organised paying sites, which are more robust and can accommodate visitors, but please avoid walking alongside the Wall when the ground is very wet.
• Please walk beside the wall and not on it
• Respect livestock and land
• Keep dogs on a lead
• Use public transport whenever you can.