Hadrian's Wall - Milecastles and Fortlets

At intervals of one Roman mile along the Wall a small fortlet known as a milecastle was built, and in between each pair of milecastles were two turrets. The milecastles were defended gateways; their main role would have been to control movement through the Wall. Each milecastle usually contained two barrack buildings for troops.

Regularly spaced between each pair of milecastles were two turrets. These would have provided observation points and shelter for troops on duty patrolling the wall. 

Small fortlets similar to the milecastles had also been a feature of the earlier Stanegate frontier such as this one at Haltwhistle Burn.

Less regularly spaced along the Wall, at intervals of between 5 km and 12 km, were the forts where most of the soldiers stationed on the Wall would have been housed.

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