Binchester Roman Fort

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Details:

Town:	Near Bishop Auckland
County:	Durham
Telephone:	01388 663089
Website:	http://www.durham.gov.uk/durhamcc/usp.nsf/pws/archaeology+-+archaeology-binchester+roman+fort

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Description:

Once the largest Roman fort in County Durham, the heart of the site has been carefully excavated and displayed so that you can enjoy it to the full. Known to the Romans as Vinovia, Binchester fort was built about AD 80 - one of a chain of forts along Dere Street, the main Roman highway from York to Corbridge and Scotland.

Today you can follow in the footsteps of Roman legionaries and walk alongside the original cobbled surface of Dere Street. Try to find the carved beast of Binchester. Seek the skull in the stone or the footsteps of a child made over 1,500 years ago.

The fort boasts the best preserved military bath house in Britain and informative text and specially commissioned drawings provide the visitor with a fascinating insight into how the fort may have looked in Roman times.

The excellent provision for visitors with disabilities was Highly Commended in the 1997 Gulbenkian Museums and Galleries awards.

Binchester is signposted from A688 Spennymoor - Bishop Auckland, A690 Durham - Crook, and Bishop Auckland Market Place.

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