# Epiacum Heritage

> Epiacum Heritage a charity registered in England and Wales Charity Number 1178087


## Posts

- [To all our 'Friends of Epiacum'](https://epiacumheritage.org/blog/post/to-all-our-friends-of-epiacum/): The charity has taken the decision to use Patreon to both host our normal news content, and to act as a platform for our Friends of Epiacum. Using Patreon will reduce the amount of admin we need to perform to support our Friends, plus will automate the collection of subscriptions. Patreon has three tiers, at least in the way we intend to use it. The content published as ‘Public’ will be available to anyone who wishes to view it, regardless of whether they have joined Patreon or not. At this level we will be including general outreach content that promotes […]
- [Summary of finds from the Molehill Survey 2023](https://epiacumheritage.org/blog/post/summary-of-finds-from-the-molehill-survey-2023/): Epiacum Heritage is happy to announce that specialists have now completed their analysis of all the finds from the Molehill Project. They looked at the material from the 2011-15 and 2023 seasons, producing reports and a catalogue. All will be made available next year, but we couldn’t resist sharing some of their conclusions now. The assemblage is predominantly Roman and typical for a military site in the north. The pottery is largely of a third century AD date, though some of the Samian could possibly be from the late second century. Importantly, the pottery indicates that the occupation of the […]
- [Saturnalia - Dec 15th 2023](https://epiacumheritage.org/blog/post/saturnalia-dec-15th-2023/): IMPORTANT UPDATE – 3rd December 2023 We’re sorry to report that we are postponing our Saturnalia event. It is now likely to take place next year, keep an eye open on this website for the new date.
- [Life in the Roman army](https://epiacumheritage.org/blog/post/life-in-the-roman-army/): This post can be seen with a subscription to our Patron site here.
- [The 2nd Cohort of Nervians](https://epiacumheritage.org/blog/post/on-the-trail-of-the-2nd-cohort-of-nervians/): One of our advisors, Alastair Robertson, set himself the challenge of understanding ‘Who were the 2nd Cohort of Nervians?’ Here’s what he found…. ON THE TRAIL OF THE 2nd COHORT OF NERVIANS Alastair F. Robertson, October 2023. INTRODUCTION The 2nd Cohort of Nervians are the only named garrison of the Roman fort of Epiacum (Whitley Castle), that overlooks the River South Tyne in south west Northumberland. Their altar to the Sun God is now the emblem of Epiacum Heritage. The Nervians were a Belgic tribe of German descent living east of the River Scheldt in central Belgium. Among the Belgic tribes the […]
- [Latest Interpretation Videos](https://epiacumheritage.org/blog/post/latest-interpretation-videos/): We are delighted to announce the release of our latest interpretation videos. These videos have been created by Dextra Visual and are based on historical data, drone imagery & interpretation of visible remains. All of this would not have been possible without the funding we received from the Farming in Protected Landscapes managed by the the North Pennines AONB, we are very grateful for their support. We hope you enjoy them!
- [Molehill Survey - Latest Numbers](https://epiacumheritage.org/blog/post/molehill-survey-latest-numbers/): Only a short update as a follow on from the Finds Action Day we hosted at the end of May. In summary we found: A total of 256 finds. Back on the 6th June, the Cumberland & Westmoreland Herald published an article on the Molehill Survey, it can be seen here. Check out the project page for the Molehill Survey here for details of the event so far.
- [Molehill Survey - Finds Action Day](https://epiacumheritage.org/blog/post/molehill-survey-finds-action-day/): UPDATE 28th May 2023 The event was held as planned yesterday (27th May 2023). Many thanks to all the volunteers for all your help! As Jan states, we’re now into Phase 2 of the project, and here is Jan describing what the day was all about. Following our very successful molehill survey, Epiacum Heritage are delighted to announce a ‘Finds Action Day’. Come and join us as we sort and clean the artefacts uncovered by our volunteers – and moles! 10am – 4pm on 27th May 2023. For all the information on the Molehill Survey to date, check out the […]
- [Molehill Survey - Thank You!](https://epiacumheritage.org/blog/post/molehill-survey-thank-you/): We’d like to extend a huge thank you to all the volunteers that worked through all weathers during the 2023 Molehill Survey. The field work is now complete, we will now commence the analysis phase. Thanks must also go to the AONB for funding for this project. Here’s Jan with his closing comments. Continue to monitor all the usual channels for further updates. If you would like to donate to Epiacum Heritage, please checkout our donations page. Or why not become a Friend of Epiacum? Click here to find out how.
- [Molehill Survey - Day Five](https://epiacumheritage.org/blog/post/molehill-survey-day-five/): Day five! Well it wouldn’t be right and proper if we didn’t get at least some rain during our five day survey would it? Heavy overnight rain and continued drizzle throughout the day made conditions difficult, nevertheless we moved the survey into the area of the mansio. Similar to yesterday, there were only a few finds, but as Jan explains, that also tells us a story. We continue to thank all the wonderful volunteers who give up their valuable time to assist us with the survey! In addition, a huge thank you to to AONB for funding the survey!
- [Molehill Survey - Day Four](https://epiacumheritage.org/blog/post/molehill-survey-day-four/): It’s the last couple of days of the molehill survey here at Whitley Castle (Epiacum). Today we were blessed with sunshine, but in addition, a very strong NE wind. Finds were a little thin on the ground today (excuse the pun), so there isn’t really a ‘Find of the day’, instead here’s Jan with his summary of the activities of the day. We continue to thank all the wonderful volunteers who give up their valuable time to assist us with the survey!
- [Molehill Survey - Revised Dates](https://epiacumheritage.org/blog/post/molehill-survey-revised-dates/): Important!! Please note due to the weather we’ve had to revise the last two dates for the Molehill survey. Please see the poster below.
- [Molehill Survey - Day Three](https://epiacumheritage.org/blog/post/molehill-survey-day-three/): Well if we thought the weather was as good as it gets yesterday, we were wrong! Sunshine and shirt sleeve order today! We’ve been blessed with some really decent conditions to continue our molehill survey of the fort and its environs. Here’s Jan explaining what we’ve been doing today and offering us his ‘find of the day.’ We also thought it may be useful to give a little more detail on how a molehill survey is carried out, check out the short video below. And for those who are wondering what that yellow box is that’s perched on top of […]
- [Molehill Survey - Day Two](https://epiacumheritage.org/blog/post/molehill-survey-day-two/): We all know that you can experience all four seasons in a hour up here, but we are pleased to report that today the strong winds dropped and the sun shone! While the number of finds was not quite as plentiful as yesterday, we’ve nearly finished the interior of the Roman Fort now. Progress has been very good and our volunteers, including some children, appear to have had an enjoyable time! Here’s Jan reporting on his ‘Find of the day.’ And just to provide evidence of blue skies! But now, as the moon rises, it’s time for us all to […]
- [Molehill Survey - Day One](https://epiacumheritage.org/blog/post/molehill-survey-day-one/): After a considerable amount of planning, not forgetting the gathering of appropriate permissions, our 2023 molehill survey is now underway. Funded by the AONB and with the help of volunteers, activities commenced around 9am and concluded just before 5pm. The weather was generally kind, only the odd shower, but a fierce wind meant that hats and gloves were certainly needed. The first question people often ask is what is a molehill survey? Well here’s Dr. Jan Harding with the answer! Unsurprisingly it’s been a very busy day, we will post more in due course but as promised, here again is […]
- [2023 Molehill Survey](https://epiacumheritage.org/blog/post/2023-molehill-survey/): THE MOLES ARE BACK …but we need some help to see what they have found! It’s taking place on the 6th to the 8th April and/or 12th and 13th April. Any time you can spare will be much appreciated. See poster for details What will you find?
- [Epiacum in the snow](https://epiacumheritage.org/blog/post/epiacum-in-the-snow/): We’ve had snowfall at Epaicum over the last day or two so we were wondering what the landscape may look like from the air. Well, there’s only one way to find out! While it was certainly cold, very little wind combined with sunny skies creating long shadows made for almost perfect conditions to get a drone in the air to find out. For the results, check out the YouTube video below. For those of an archaeological disposition we hope you agree it makes some of the features of the landscape very easy to identify. Enjoy! From the Epiacum Team.
- [An interesting Find in Germany](https://epiacumheritage.org/blog/post/an-interesting-find-in-germany/): For those who have an interest in the reason for the existence of Epiacum, this article relating to some work undertaken by a German University makes for an fascinating read! Goethe University’s Department of Archaeology and History have discovered two Roman military camps in the Bad Ems area near Koblenz from the 1st century AD. Click here to read more!
- [A Fort for All Seasons - Galleries](https://epiacumheritage.org/blog/post/a-fort-for-all-seasons-photographs/): We’ve now published the entries we had for the various categories in the ‘Fort for All Seasons’ photography competition. You can see the galleries here. All the images are fantastic, we hope you enjoy viewing them as much as we did!
- [Ancient Routes Trail](https://epiacumheritage.org/blog/post/ancient-routes-trail/): We’re starting to get some extra and long overdue detail on the website. To kick things off we’ve added a page detailing the ancient routes across the Epiacum landscape, you can see the page by clicking here. In addition here’s a link to our Ancient Trails leaflet. More information will be added to the site in due course.
- [Photography Competitions - *RESULTS*](https://epiacumheritage.org/blog/post/photography-competitions-results/): Epiacum Heritage are delighted to announce the winning entries in our photography competition “A Fort For All Seasons”. After a slow start, interrupted by Covid 19, we received over 80 tremendous images. The trustees and judges were very impressed with the variety and quality of the images submitted across the four categories: History, Landscape and Environment, Natural World and Rural Economy. The judges have now completed their difficult task of choosing the winners and runners up in each category, plus the monochrome and the Under 16 categories. Professor Stewart Ainsworth who sponsored the competition stated: “So many good photographs! It […]
- [Photography Competition is now closed](https://epiacumheritage.org/blog/post/photography-competition-is-now-closed/): Thanks to everyone that sent in an entry to our photography competition ‘A Fort for all Seasons’. The deadline has passed and entries are now closed. The judges will assess the entries and the winners will be announced before the end of this month (October 2022)
- ['Reading The Landscape' Masterclass - August 2022](https://epiacumheritage.org/blog/post/reading-the-landscape-masterclass-august-2022/): Many thanks to all who attended the recent Masterclass held at Epiacum Roman Fort. We were blessed with possibly the hottest weather we’ve ever experienced on a Masterclass and as a result, the waterproofs remained in the rucksack at all times! We hope you all enjoyed the experience and had both a fun and informative weekend. We’d also like to thank all the ‘Second Nervians’ for all their hard work in organising and making the event work so well. Hopefully you’ll all be able to start putting into practice what you learned when you’re next out walking!
- [Places available on the Landscape Masterclass this coming weekend.....](https://epiacumheritage.org/blog/post/places-available-on-landscape-masterclass-this-coming-weekend/): We have had two cancellations for the forthcoming Landscape Masterclass starting on the evening of Friday 12th August 2022 and finishing late afternoon on Sunday 14th August 2022. If you’re free that weekend and fancy learning about landscapes in the company of Time Team’s Prof. Stewart Ainsworth, now is the time to act!! For more information, please see the event page here. The application form and contact details can be found on that page. First come, first served. Good luck!!
- [Latest interpretation images of Epiacum](https://epiacumheritage.org/blog/post/latest-interpretation-images-of-epiacum/): We’re delighted to share these latest interpretation images of the site. They’re also available on the Photo Galleries page of the web site. We hope you agree they’re absolutely stunning and give a dramatic insight as to the what the site looked like all those years ago. Please note the images above are © 2022 – Epiacum Heritage / Dextra Visual
- [Website - Work in progress](https://epiacumheritage.org/blog/post/website-work-in-progress/): Please excuse us while we are working on the website. This will be a staged process: 1) Update the site’s theme.2) Review current content.3) Identify and archive outdated information.4) Update required content where necessary. Once this is complete, our intention is to have an simpler, but more up to date website that contains information to suit both the casual visitor and those who are looking for some more detail.
- [Romans in Norway? Surely not!](https://epiacumheritage.org/blog/post/romans-in-norway-surely-not/): This post can now be viewed via subscription to our Patron site.
- [A Fort for all Seasons - Reminder!](https://epiacumheritage.org/blog/post/a-fort-for-all-seasons-reminder/): A gentle reminder our photography completion sponsored by Time Team’s Stewart Ainsworth is still open, but time is starting to run out. Entries close on the 30th September 2022. If you’ve haven’t already entered maybe now is the time thinking about getting your entry in! Please click here for details and conditions of entry. Good luck everyone!
- [Building the new Ancient Routes Trail](https://epiacumheritage.org/blog/post/building-the-new-ancient-routes-trail/): Epiacum Heritage has been busy over the winter months improving access and information to share our knowledge of the site.  Working with our farm partner we look forward to completing our latest project called Ancient Routes in readiness for the 2022 visitor season. The project received funding from the Farming in Protected Landscapes programme, funded by DEFRA and managed by the North Pennines AONB Partnership. If you wish to read the press release associated with the funding, please click here. Second Nervian volunteers preparing the ground for the new kissing gates That means an exciting new trail, with added kissing gates and […]
- [Farming in Protected Landscapes - Press Release](https://epiacumheritage.org/blog/post/aonb-farming-in-protected-landscapes-press-release/): North Pennines historic site to transform visitor experience The team behind a Roman site in the North Pennines AONB and UNESCO Global Geopark has received funds to improve how people experience and enjoy their visit. Epiacum Heritage and Castle Nook Farm, on Alston Moor, have received a grant of £32,777 from the Defra-funded Farming in Protected Landscapes programme, managed by the North Pennines AONB Partnership. The project, called Ancient Routes, will provide a new visitor trail and enhanced interpretation, and will be in place for the 2022 visitor season. The new permissive access route starts at the South Tynedale Trail […]
- [Sponsorship of the 'My Place in Time' Project](https://epiacumheritage.org/blog/post/sponsorship-of-the-my-place-in-time-project/): Epiacum Heritage is delighted to be a sponsor for the ‘My Place in Time’ project run in collaboration with the Young Archaeologists’ Club, The Council for British Archaeology and SharedPast, led by Professor Stewart Ainsworth who should be familiar to many friends here at Epiacum through his work on the site. Stewart presents a short film about the project, which is available to view in the LINKS section below. Young people are being helped to investigate and discover the heritage of everyday places on their own doorstep thanks to a pioneering archaeological project – which does not use trowels and […]
- [A Fort for All Seasons - Photography Competition](https://epiacumheritage.org/blog/post/epiacum-a-fort-for-all-seasons/): We are delighted to announce the relaunch of our photography competition sponsored by Professor Stewart Ainsworth. Please click here for details and conditions of entry. Good luck everyone!
- [Friend and FOE?](https://epiacumheritage.org/blog/post/friend-and-foe/): We are really grateful for our many Friends of Epiacum (FOE), some who have shared our journey from the start! Back in 2010, we constituted and first launched our organisation, initially as a Limited Company and, more recently, as a Charity – Epiacum Heritage Lots of people are enthusiastic about what we are doing and (we hope) that if you are reading this, that you are amongst them! But are you a Friend or a FOE? Our work had progressed year on year – we have run events, increased interpretation , worked with various organisations, successfully run projects, developed research, […]
- [The borehole is in full flow ...grab a coffee!](https://epiacumheritage.org/blog/post/the-borehole-is-in-full-flow-grab-a-coffee/): Thankfully the water supply, which started out like my hesitant blogs, has remained in full flow and, as promised, there is more exciting news to share. Those of you, who have patiently shared our journey over the years, will know of the challenges we have faced in providing visitors with hospitality in what is a rugged and remote landscape. How many times have visitors up on Epiacum needed a nice hot cup of coffee after trudging up that hill we will never know! However, thanks to a recent successful planning application and (even more challenging) an application to LEADER for […]
- [Times are changing for Roman spring at Epiacum!](https://epiacumheritage.org/blog/post/times-are-changing-for-roman-spring-at-epiacum/): There is no doubt that , in days gone by, the underground springs at Epiacum were much needed. Securing a constant supply of water for an impressive roman bathhouse , as well as providing drinking water for the fort and vicus, was probably something that concerned the Romans a lot.   It would certainly be a consideration when deciding on the actual location of the fort  and, whatever methods they employed to first find and then retain a good supply of water, they were secured by the strategic placing of an altar to Apollo. Underneath the four pillars that supported […]
- [Masterclass full..... but](https://epiacumheritage.org/blog/post/masterclass-full-but/): The June Landscape Archaeology Masterclass is now full – however if you are interested in future events and masterclasses please fill in this form and you will be the first in the queue our next events: Loading…    
- [Press Release - Roman Wine Cellar found at Epiacum](https://epiacumheritage.org/blog/post/press-release-roman-wine-cellar-found-at-epiacum/): We were meant to be keeping this secret but the Cumberland Star and Alston Daily Herald ran a piece last night so the Trustees have decided to do a press release about this latest find… A radar drone study has found a Roman Wine Cellar complete with drinkable wine under Epiacum Roman Fort. The study by Professor Hugh Mustby-Jhokin of the North Cumbria University Department of Antiquity and Technology, using ground breaking non-invasive technology and spectral analysis, first found a hidden room under what would have been the Commandants House known as a Praetorium. Using the latest non-invasive technology the […]
- [Landscape Archaeology Masterclass with Stewart Ainsworth at Epiacum - June 2019](https://epiacumheritage.org/blog/post/landscape-archaeology-masterclass-with-stewart-ainsworth-at-epiacum-june-2019/): SORRY THIS MASTERCLASS IS FULL – but if you want to go on the waiting list for the next one…   Loading…   Fancy a whole weekend learning Landscape Archaeology with a professional archaeologists Professor Stewart Ainsworth from the Time Team TV programme and Al Oswald from York University’s Archaeology Department? Well you can. We are running a small group masterclass at Epiacum over the weekend of 14th – 16th June 2019 You will quickly learn to distinguish archaeological features in the landscape that others miss, and how the landscape can quickly start to tell you a story about what […]
- [Operation Jericho - Thank you](https://epiacumheritage.org/blog/post/operation-jericho-thank-you/): Operation Jericho was carried out over the period 1-15 September 2018. It was a project to remove the Victorian drystone wall that bisected the site so as to make the site fully visible for the first time in 200 years. The project was overseen by Al Oswald of the University of York and Professor Stewart Ainsworth of the University of Chester and found numerous items of interest buried in the wall. A full report is being undertaken by Al Oswald.   The following people and organisations (listed in no particular order) donated to the project either in money, time or […]
- [Epiacum Operation Jericho Diary #4 -- The Wall Comes Down, The Wall Goes Up, The Master Returns, and Rain Stops Play](https://epiacumheritage.org/blog/post/epiacum-operation-jericho-diary-4-the-wall-comes-down-the-wall-goes-up-the-master-returns-and-rain-stops-play/): Well, where do I start?  So much to tell you!  When the last Diary went out, we had completed about half of the wall removal.  And Oh!  The finds!  Some amazing pieces of stone and other items will keep our Finds Gurus busy for quite some time.  Our Chair, Dave Wilkinson, has been posting a mostly-daily blog, detailing all the finds, which you can read all about on the Blog page at the Epiacum website (https://epiacumheritage.org/blog/) So — the wall comes down.  Now we are about 3/4 of the way done, as per the plan: Not too shabby, eh?  Nice to […]
- [Epiacum Operation Jericho Diary #3 -- The Wall Continues to Fall!](https://epiacumheritage.org/blog/post/epiacum-operation-jericho-diary-3-the-wall-continues-to-fall/): Our volunteers are amazing!  We have made great strides in getting the stones down, and the finds are coming thick and fast.  We can’t wait to show you what we’ve found!   But first, we must thank Al Oswald from the University of York for his help and archaeological oversight in the wall removal process.  He’s brought several UofY students to help  and learn, and we couldn’t be more appreciative.  The generosity of everyone associated with Operation Jericho has just been humbling.  A very heartfelt Thank You from all the Epiacum Heritage Trustees to everyone for their help!   As […]
- [Day 4 ... more wall fun...](https://epiacumheritage.org/blog/post/day-4-more-wall-fun/): The North Pennines weather struck again. As the nice weather of yesterday gave way to first a cold front followed by sudden and rather damp squalls, the work on the walls over and around the fort continued. The first job was to clean up the footings left and cover the infill area with soil… Then removing the dozens of finds for cleaning and catalouging…. which largely entails loading them into wheel barrows and walking thing them down to the  camp and the finds tent… Where the finds get cleaned by a team But not all the finds are being removed. […]
- [Day 3 Finds and news about the wall...](https://epiacumheritage.org/blog/post/day-3-finds-and-news-about-the-wall/): Today was great weather. Blue skies and clear visibility, just the day for motoring on the wall deconstruction and did the team on the wall motor but more about that later. First lets have a look at some of the finds today: First we have a range of quern stone fragments Then we found an interesting piece of slag with something embedded in it. This is going to be sent off for analysis to see whether it is slag from lead extraction process. This is important because Epiacum is in a lead mining area. This is the first slag found […]
- [More day two finds....](https://epiacumheritage.org/blog/post/more-day-two-finds/): Yesterday the wall gave up more evidence of early life at Epiacum. Becoming frequent now are the forts main building stones… The Romans, masters of standardisation had standard shapes for the stones they used to construct forts with. All the stones in most Roman forts were this Triangular shape so that when they got to corners they would fit together nicely to male rounded corners which are stronger than sharp square corners. The face of the stone is square. Next we are finding roman bricks… Interestingly many of which (including sandstones) are showing blackening from burning… This could be as […]
- [Day 3 - Some good questions](https://epiacumheritage.org/blog/post/day-3-some-good-questions/): Good morning. Today is looking good weatherise as dawn breaks over the valley …   Overnight we got some really good questions on social media. The first was  “Why dismantle the wall if it part of the history?” An excellent question. Answer: The problem with the wall is four-fold. The first issue is the construction methods and location / situation meant that the wall was dangerous and kept on falling over. The constant repairs were damaging the fort as well. This wouldn’t be a problem in any old field, but because it is on a scheduled monument to which the […]
- [Day 2 - The wall reveals more secrets](https://epiacumheritage.org/blog/post/day-2-the-wall-reveals-more-secrets/): It’s been a good day at Epiacum as more sections of the wall are dismantled and we uncover more and more surprising detail. This will be a two part post as a lot of the wall came down today and we turned up a lot of archaeology as well. The weather was much better which made progress much easier and I don’t have a fireplace full of soaking boots tonight. As ever the amazing camp staff were up before everyone… preparing, planning, sorting breakfast etc. etc. It’s a bit early and damp… But Sam the camp dog (my pooch) is […]
- [Day 2 - the weather is looking better today ...](https://epiacumheritage.org/blog/post/day-2-the-weather-is-looking-better-today/): Good morning from Epiacum. After yesterdays deluge the weather is looking better for today – and tomorrow. A chance, hopefully to dry out… however the forecasts can change rapidly around here, which is why so many hill walkers get caught out.   But things don’t look too good on Thursday and Friday. Let’s see what we can get done today – Fingers crossed. I am just taking the dry(er) boots back to the troops… Stay tuned for todays news and finds oh, I forgot one very interesting find yesterday… more about that one shortly… In this series: Operation Jericho – […]
- [Day 1 - Operation Jericho: The wall starts to fall... new finds](https://epiacumheritage.org/blog/post/day-1-operation-jericho-the-wall-starts-to-fall-new-finds/): The day started with an ominous sign. The Northumberland/Cumbrian hills were wearing clouds as the day started… Rain was most definitely on the way. Before the volunteers and Archeology students started to break up the wall we had one or two final preparations – marking the features that were obvious so that the removal team could see them at a glance… as the clouds swirled overhead and the drizzle started… The walls had been visually inspected and then again with a metal detector – the crosses mark metal readings. The markings relate to defined and specific positions on the wall. […]
- [Operation Jericho - the set up](https://epiacumheritage.org/blog/post/operation-jericho-the-set-up/): The weekend has been busy for the Trustees, volunteers and archaeologists. Firstly Stewart Ainsworth and a small group of volunteers had to survey and record the wall so that an accurate digital copy can be re- constructed. This involved a lot of photography and very accurate GPS location data. The next task was to mark out the wall so that finds can be accurately referenced and to act as a guide for the wall dismantlers. The following day there was a detailed survey of the wall to see what stones had archaeological detail… And recording them… And we found quite […]
- [48 hours to go... help us get the last £1793.90](https://epiacumheritage.org/blog/post/82-help-us-get-the-last-18/): As we prepare for Operation Jericho (starts tomorrow) to remove the wall the victorians built over the middle of Epiacum Roman Fort…     our crowd funding efforts have progressed to 82% of the funds we need. We need only £1,793.90 more to reach our target. ….we have 48 hours to go. Please help us to reach our target and open up the fort for everyone to enjoy… It’s a race against the clock…   Anything, even that pesky 90p will help!   Donate here: https://www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/epiacum-heritage/operationjerico Or via Paypal: Please help us beat the deadline…. every penny helps us get closer…  
- [Sponsor a stone and have your or a friend/love ones name added to our official roll](https://epiacumheritage.org/blog/post/sponsor-a-stone-and-have-your-or-a-friend-love-ones-name-added-to-our-official-roll/): Sponsor a stone Sponsor a stone from the wall at Epiacum and get your name or a family members / friends or love one’s name or both link to it… and you never know it may be found by the Archaeologists on site during Operation Jericho   You will receive (on a spacial page on this site) a photo of your ancient stone and have your and/or your love ones / friends name included on our roll of honour.   It is so easy to dedicate a page and a stone: Go to: https://www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/epiacum-heritage/operationjerico Leave a donation Leave the name of […]
- [Last 22 tickets - Book now or....](https://epiacumheritage.org/blog/post/last-22-tickets-book-now-or/): Just a quick update on the Ceilidh… There are only 22 tickets left for this wonderful night out Get your tickets now or there will be no dancing for you on the 1st September…   Time to celebrate! Celebrate the kid’s going back to school AND Celebrate the start of two weeks of wall busting activity at Epiacum   Epiacum Heritage (a charity) is holding it’s first ever Ceilidh at Slaggyford Village Hall (Cairns Community Hall Slaggyford – map below) with local lass, Georgia Shorrock as caller and the awesome live Ceilidh band The Elgish Experience.   American Supper This is an American […]
- [You need to get out more...  we have just the thing for you...](https://epiacumheritage.org/blog/post/you-need-to-get-out-more-we-have-just-the-thing-for-you/): Do you need to get out more? Do you need more fun in your life? Would you like to meet some wonderful new people and have a great time (as well as a good laugh)? Well have we got something awesome for you… On Saturday 1st September 2018, Epiacum Heritage are holding a Ceilidh at Slaggyford Village Hall (posh name – Knarsdale with Kirkhaugh Cairns Community Hall). Dance your little feet off at the Epiacum Ceilidh, have a laugh and do something fun… CLICK HERE for more info and how to get tickets
- [Want to work along side archaeologists at one of Britain's most unique sites?](https://epiacumheritage.org/blog/post/want-to-work-along-side-archaeologists-at-one-of-britains-most-unique-sites/): Do you fancy working alongside archaeologists at one of Britain’s most unique sites? Epiacum is a totally unmatched, one-off archaeological and historical setting going back to mesolithic times, through iron age occupation, the Romans (obviously) into the Medieval and right up to modern times and everything in-between.     Help to dismantle the dry stone wall that cuts Epiacum Roman fort in half. The wall was put up around 1843 right across the middle of the fort and we are getting together a team of people under the supervision of archaeologist Al Oswald who has made this project possible by generously […]
- [Want to be part of the team but live too far away? How to be a virtual team member of Epiacum...](https://epiacumheritage.org/blog/post/want-to-be-part-of-the-team-but-live-too-far-away-how-to-be-a-virtual-team-member-of-epiacum/): Would you love to be part of the Epiacum Heritage team but live too far away?      Fear not, here’s how you can help Epiacum Heritage and be involved at a very real level no matter where you live. Distance is no object to being part of our team.   We are building a virtual team who will be central to the projects and will be on the inside when it come to communications, information and involvement.   Become a virtual member of the Epiacum Volunteers Team Be a vital member of the Epiacum Volunteers Team (Known as the 2nd Nervians […]
- [Love cooking? Like beautiful scenery? Up for a challenge?](https://epiacumheritage.org/blog/post/love-cooking-like-beautiful-scenery-up-for-a-challenge/): Do you love a cooking? Do you like beautiful scenery? Fancy something a bit different?      If fancy being part of something amazing and creating a memory to last a lifetime at a unique event with a bunch of amazing people… then this could be your time…     Epiacum Heritage (a charity) is holding a two week long event / project in the beautiful hills near Alston in Cumbria. The project is being led by us in conjunction with archaeologist Al Oswald, other team members and specialists and volunteers.   Epiacum Heritage is a charity set up to preserve, […]
- [Be part of something you will remember for the rest of your life....](https://epiacumheritage.org/blog/post/be-part-of-something-you-will-remember-for-the-rest-of-your-life/): Be part of something amazing this September … This September a team of volunteers led by archaeologist Al Oswald are going to be helping to record and dismantle the dry stone wall that was erected in 1843 across the middle of Epiacum Roman fort. This is no normal dry stone wall though. Many of the stones used to construct the wall by the victorians came from the Roman fort.   We have already identified a base of a Roman column and other architectural features embedded in the wall. You could be part of an amazing team of volunteers and part […]
- [Epiacum On A Perfect Summer Evening](https://epiacumheritage.org/blog/post/epiacum-on-a-perfect-summer-evening/): Jean Lunn is a great friend and supporter of Epiacum.  As one of  the team who took part in the only official excavation to have taken place within the fort itself in 1957-59, she has followed our progress with great interest and helped us greatly with her knowledge of those excavations and her continued support.  Here she reports on her latest visit to the fort. What is an ‘Argo cat’? clues: it’s not feline, it’s definitely not soft and furry and to enjoy being in it you need a cushion or two – OK I’ll explain.  It is an all-terrain […]
- [You know that feeling when there is a wall in your way?](https://epiacumheritage.org/blog/post/you-know-that-feeling-when-there-is-a-wall-in-your-way/): You know that feeling when there is a wall in your way and there is no way to ignore it? A wall that stops you from doing something? We have such a wall. Like a real wall. A real dry stone wall.     You see we have a roman fort that was built it the wilds of what is now the border between Northumberland and Cumbria. The fort was built around 122 AD. It is unique. No other roman fort was ever constructed like this, which is highly unusual given the roman love of standardisation. So from an archaeological […]
- [Our Man in Pompeii : The Dust, the Heat, The Football](https://epiacumheritage.org/blog/post/our-man-in-pompeii-the-dust-the-heat-the-football/): [Unfortunately due to comms and other issues, Our Man was unable to post his reports on the actual day in question for the latter part of his trip.  His reports are offered here, retrospectively,  for the sake of completion, the historical record and those who can’t sleep at night.]   Pompeii:  Tuesday 2nd July As I may have mentioned, 0600 hours is not a time that I’m particularly familiar with. The alarm clock goes off at 0600 and within moments I remember why I try and avoid this time of day.  Still, there’s a job to be done. As I […]
- [Our woman in Cyprus: developing international partnerships](https://epiacumheritage.org/blog/post/our-woman-in-cyprus-developing-international-partnerships/): In June Epiacum’s heritage advisor, Yvonne Conchie travelled to Cyprus to share lessons from the Epiacum Research Framework with Gabriel Farrugia’s Archaeology students searching for the lost village of Pano Drys. She also spent time with other tutors from across the former Roman Empire, and learnt about the UN’s Intangible Cultural Heritage designation through Lefkaritika with Panayiota Demetriou, and brushed up her knowledge about natural building with adobe with Maria Pantas and her colleagues from Canterbury University.  All this is pouring inspiration and collaboration into the future plans for Epiacum – basing our provision around Grampus Heritage Green Village curriculum. This could engage our own […]
- [Our Man In Pompeii : Ampitheatre Fiasco](https://epiacumheritage.org/blog/post/our-man-in-pompeii-ampitheatre-fiasco/): Dawn breaks and I’ve hardly slept a wink. A combination of the heat – the damn heat – and the small child in the next room who’s been crying all night.  Probably complaining about the heat – the damn heat. I manage to pack all the work gear and head for breakfast three quarters of an hour before they serve breakfast here.  My hunch was right – breakfast is all set out, so I grab a quick croissant and juice and then throw some additonal items – a roll, ham, another croissant, boiled eggs – in a lunch box for […]
- [Our Man In Pompeii : The First Recce](https://epiacumheritage.org/blog/post/our-man-in-pompeii-the-first-recce/): The plan to get to the ruins before they opened to the public was banjaxed by the local vino rosso. Aptly named Vesuvio, it wiped me out just as effectively as the volcano did to the Roman town.  Guess I must have needed the sleep. By nine thirty I’m sitting outside what I can see will become my favourite coffee bar with what passes as a large Americano in these parts, a pretty damn good croissant with apricot jam, and a stray dog.  The mission is to locate the target and familiarise myself with the wider area and spot potential […]
- [Our Man In Pompeii : Or Is It Herculaneum?](https://epiacumheritage.org/blog/post/our-man-in-pompeii-or-is-it-herculaneum/): The drop on Friday didn’t go as well as Big E had planned. Sure, I made it to the airfield on time only to run in to a whole stationery shop of red tape and some jobsworth insisting my zippo had to be in a clear plastic bag. Just when I thought everything was back on track the comms unit buzzed in to life with message from Big E: “Agent C whereabouts unknown.  Continue to Pompeii alone.” This was tough news.  I always worry when an agent loses contact, and I know Big E worries more – unless it’s me: […]
- [Our Man in Pompeii : Final Preparations](https://epiacumheritage.org/blog/post/our-man-in-pompeii-final-preparations/): Two days before I hit the airport. Time to check out the kit and the comms.  Need to be able to stay in touch with the Big E whilst out there, and these days everything is on minature screens.  Much preferred it when we filed our reports on the typewriter. I’ve also been looking at the brief that came in via the usual grapevine.  The target area is apparently known as “Regio VII, Insula XIV” – must be a codename.  After some rooting about I discover that it’s an area of shops that butts up to Via dell’Abbondanz – not […]
- [Our Man In Pompeii : The Prelude](https://epiacumheritage.org/blog/post/our-man-in-pompeii-the-prelude/): Word has come down from Epiacum… from the Big E herself.  There’s a job on.  That’s how it goes around here – another week, another job. But this one’s different.  This one requires some travelling.  Time to dig out the suitcase and the mobile razor. “Italy,” she says, “Pompeii.” “Right,” I say, “the place with the volcano.” “Vesuvius.  You remember?” Sure, I remember.  Like anyone could forget AD79… when the whole mountain erupted and covered the town in ash like a man sorting the cat’s litter tray by pouring a whole bag of KittiKlean on top of it rather than […]
- [Bring The Past Alive: A Weekend Master Class With Time Team’s Stewart Ainsworth](https://epiacumheritage.org/blog/post/bring-the-past-alive-a-weekend-master-class-with-time-teams-stewart-ainsworth/): Imagine spending an entire weekend with Time Team’s  Stewart Ainsworth Learning How to Decode the Landscape    Look at the photograph above. Our previous students will be tell you that with ease they can see a Roman neighbourhood or settlement known as a Vicus, Roman, iron age and medieval roads and mines and buildings – all in the above photograph. Stewart Ainsworth (ex Time Team) enthusing about the Epiacum historic Landscape By the end of the weekend you, too, will be able to spot and interpret historical and archaeological features that you previously had no idea were there. Evidence of […]
- [Epiacum Questions: Why were the Romans called 'Romans' and not 'Italians'?](https://epiacumheritage.org/blog/post/epiacum-questions-why-were-the-romans-called-romans-and-not-italians/): In a new series of posts we thought that we would answer questions about topics connected to Epiacum and the surrounding area. Whilst we are starting with a question about the Romans the whole site around Epiacum Fort contains a lot more history and archeology than just the period the Romans were in the area. In fact there have been finds of Mesolithic (Middle stone-age circa 8,000 – 4,000 BCE*) worked flint believed to be from around 6,000 BCE on the site. So the whole site has evidence of human habitation for more than the last 8,000 years! More of this […]
- [Epiacum this April](https://epiacumheritage.org/blog/post/epiacum-this-april/): Death is the wish of some, the relief of many, and the end of all Seneca (4 BC-65) Roman philosopher and playwright …   You are at a Roman party ​ … like a proper Roman Party ​ …with all the buffet food you need to fill your hearty Roman stomach  & as many drinks as your Roman denarius can buy  Basically all the merriment and fun of a damn fine Roman bash… … ​ The date is 324 AD ​ You are in Roman Alston  aka Epiacum (actually Lowbyer Manor) ​  With old Roman friends and new friends to be… […]
- [Epiacum chosen as an example by The Lost Words author Robert Macfarlane](https://epiacumheritage.org/blog/post/epiacum-shown-as-an-example-by-the-lost-words-author-robert-macfarlane/): Prize winning author, and Cambridge Fellow Dr Robert Macfarlane cited Epiacum as an example of his word of the day today. Using the English Heritage aerial photo of Epiacum Roman Fort to illustrate his definition of Palimpsest  We feel that the LIDAR image shows off the depth of time of this incredible site even better – and Dr Macfarlane agrees that it is stunning. Thanks to Dr David Petts from Durham University for alerting us to the tweet It was great to see several of our own followers keen to join in the online conversation:   And we can’t help […]
- [ARCHAEOLOGY AT EPIACUM - WHAT SHALL WE DO NEXT?](https://epiacumheritage.org/blog/post/archaeology-at-epiacum-what-shall-we-do-next/): Save the date – evening of Thursday 9th November 2017 at Alston Town Hall.
- [Dig it 2017](https://epiacumheritage.org/blog/post/645/):   Epiacum Excavations took place from 22nd September – 2nd October 2017. 56 adults and 20 children took part, completing 80 ‘person days’ of digging, across 19 test pits Here are the highlights! We were very lucky – not only did the weather stay dry, we saw loads of wildlife: a hare spooked from the long reeds next to the tree, curlews, skeins of geese, and lots of inquisitive sheep! Epiacum is a very beautiful landscape. So, what did we find? In the field between Holy Mire bastle house and the Maiden Way (Roman Road), we put in seven 1m x 1m test pits […]
- [Bastle tidy up before Stewart Ainsworth's masterclass weekend](https://epiacumheritage.org/blog/post/bastle-tidy-up-before-stewart-ainsworths-masterclass-weekend/): We’re really grateful to the hardy band of volunteers who have been working hard tidying up Wellhouse Bastle in preparation for a busy month of activity. A barn owl had been roosting inside, so the building had fallen into disuse so it wasn’t disturbed. After a visit from the owl surveyor, we have been able to reinstate the building as shelter for participants on booked events taking place in September. The planned work will provide a cleaner, less dusty space for lunch breaks and talks and we hope to use the barn more regularly for events and activities so we […]
- [The 1957 excavations - in the words of one who was there](https://epiacumheritage.org/blog/post/the-1957-excavations-in-the-words-of-one-who-was-there/): During our Diamond conference in May 2017, we were lucky enough to have Jean Lunn tell us her memories of attending that excavation. Jean Lunn’s Story from Simon Danby on Vimeo.  
- [POSTPONED Family guided walk - now on Weds 30th August](https://epiacumheritage.org/blog/post/postponed-family-guided-walk-now-on-weds-30th-august/): Sorry folks, due to the torrential forecast we are postponing today’s family guided walk. The new date is Wednesday 30th August at 1.30pm. Hope you can still make it! https://epiacumheritage.org/events/family-guided-walk/
- [Outdoor First Aid Course](https://epiacumheritage.org/blog/post/outdoor-first-aid-course/): We have a few spare places on our upcoming outdoor first aid course on the 6th and 7th of July. For more information and to book your place, please click here
- [Diamond Day at our sell-out conference](https://epiacumheritage.org/blog/post/diamond-day-at-our-sell-out-conference/): Over 100 people joined Professor Stewart Ainsworth and the Epiacum team to hear a host of learned talks about the history of the Whitley Castle landscape from prehistory to today. Jean Lunn started things off with her first hand account of taking part in the 1957 excavations of the granary and ramparts. She presented Epiacum with a 2.4kg piece of galena (lead ore) which was found at the time, and has since traveled to (and returned from) Australia! We are hoping to get Jean’s permission to reproduce her account, and to make it available on this website soon. Next came the […]
- [In the Journal again!](https://epiacumheritage.org/blog/post/in-the-journal-again/): We’ve made the press! A lovely article in today’s Newcastle Chronicle and Journal. http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/what-future-hold-best-preserved-13040416
- [Exploring the far reaches of the Epiacum farmsteading](https://epiacumheritage.org/blog/post/exploring-the-far-reaches-of-the-epiacum-farmsteading/): Join us for an invigorating walk on Sunday 21st May to explore the ruined shielings nestled in the furthest reaches of Castle Nook and Whitlow farm.  Shielings are the summer homes of shepherds and farmworkers, built in the upper grounds where the livestock were taken to eat the sweet grass during the summer months. Today this area is full of birdsong and wildflowers, with a multitude of insects pollinating them. The views are amazing too. Date: Sunday 21st May     Time: 10.30am – 4.30pm  (approx)    Start: Whitlow Farmhouse Distance: approx 5km, but over steep and rough terrain More info and […]
- [Alston 200AD – Alston Moor Film](https://epiacumheritage.org/blog/post/alston-200ad-alston-moor-film/)
- [Can you help?](https://epiacumheritage.org/blog/post/can-you-help/): If you have a hotel/ B&B/ cottage etc in the Alston area and would like to put our epaicum family trail leaflet in one of your bedroom browsers then please let me know and I can drop off or you can collect! It’s a great family activity on the Moor and suitable for children aged 7 upwards – and there are toy swords and shields available for use whilst marching across the fort for younger children!
- [DIAMOND EPIACUM CELEBRATES 60 YEARS](https://epiacumheritage.org/blog/post/diamond-epiacum-celebrates-60-years/): In 1957, a small but significant excavation took place at Epiacum , then known as Whitley Castle. This year, 2017, marks our “Diamond Jubilee” and an opportunity to celebrate and share the impact of the ongoing research that has taken place, and latterly, the developing profile of the site and it’s environs. On Saturday May 20, we will be holding a very special Day Conference in Alston, with a range of speakers, including our President of the Friends for Epiacum , Prof. Stewart Ainsworth (Time Team/ Landscape Archaeologist and lead researcher for the Farmer & Miner Landscape Research Project – […]

## Pages

- [Garden Project](https://epiacumheritage.org/visitors/garden-project/): Holding page
- [Gift Aid](https://epiacumheritage.org/fhlf3j4kq789wfwj5gfx6pogm/)
- [Bastle House approach and fly around (snow)](https://epiacumheritage.org/photo-galleries-2023/bastle-house-approach-and-fly-around-snow/)
- [Bastle House Fly Around (Interpretation)](https://epiacumheritage.org/photo-galleries-2023/bastle-house-fly-around-interpretation/)
- [Epiacum Fly Around (Interpretation)](https://epiacumheritage.org/photo-galleries-2023/epiacum-fly-around-interpretation/)
- [Epiacum in the snow](https://epiacumheritage.org/photo-galleries-2023/epiacum-in-the-snow/)
- [Molehill Survey Gallery](https://epiacumheritage.org/photo-galleries-2023/molehill-survey-gallery/)
- [Media Galleries - 2023](https://epiacumheritage.org/photo-galleries-2023/)
- [Order Completed](https://epiacumheritage.org/tickets-order/)
- [Tickets Checkout](https://epiacumheritage.org/tickets-checkout/)
- [Molehill Survey](https://epiacumheritage.org/projects/molehill-survey/): Update 24th December 2023 The specialists have concluded their analysis of the finds. Click here for a summary. Update 25th June 2023 Following on from the Finds Action Day, the numbers are in: 124 pottery sherds; 34 fragments of ceramic building material; 3 pieces of clay pipe bowl and stem; 58 metal objects; 22 pieces of slag, clinker and cinder; 12 fragments of glass; 2 worked flints; and 1 bead. A total of 256 finds. The next phase will see these sent to the specialists after which we will have more information to share. Here’s the latest gallery of pictures from […]
- [Projects](https://epiacumheritage.org/projects/): This page is still being developed, the intention is to have information on all our current projects listed here, to begin, we’ve listed our Molehill Survey 2023 page. Molehill Survey 2023
- [My Bookings](https://epiacumheritage.org/my-bookings/): CONTENTS
- [Tags](https://epiacumheritage.org/tags/): CONTENTS
- [Categories](https://epiacumheritage.org/categories/): CONTENTS
- [Locations](https://epiacumheritage.org/locations/): CONTENTS
- [Friends](https://epiacumheritage.org/get-involved/friends/): Become a Friend of Epiacum – We now use Patreon as a platform for our Friends. It’s also our default blog site. Here you will find content that will either be: Please go to https://patreon.com/epiacumheritage to take a look, a subscription of (£1 + VAT in the UK) will help us achieve our goal of covering all our operational running costs. Please remember, no-one gets paid for work they do for the charity, we’re all volunteers.
- [A Fort for all Seasons - Photo Competition](https://epiacumheritage.org/photo-galleries-2022/a-fort-for-all-seasons-photo-competition-2022/)
- [Landscape & Environment](https://epiacumheritage.org/photo-galleries-2022/a-fort-for-all-seasons-photo-competition-2022/gallery-landscape-environment-photo-competition-entries-nov-2022/): Please note, the images above are © 2022 the named photographer & Epiacum Heritage
- [Rural Economy](https://epiacumheritage.org/photo-galleries-2022/a-fort-for-all-seasons-photo-competition-2022/gallery-rural-economy-photo-competition-entries-nov-2022/): Please note, the images above are © 2022 the named photographer & Epiacum Heritage
- [History](https://epiacumheritage.org/photo-galleries-2022/a-fort-for-all-seasons-photo-competition-2022/gallery-history-photo-competition-entries-nov-2022/): Please note, the images above are © 2022 the named photographer & Epiacum Heritage
- [Natural World](https://epiacumheritage.org/photo-galleries-2022/a-fort-for-all-seasons-photo-competition-2022/gallery-natural-world-photo-competition-entries-nov-2022/): Please note, the images above are © 2022 the named photographer & Epiacum Heritage
- [Latest Interpretation Images](https://epiacumheritage.org/photo-galleries-2022/gallery-latest-interpretation-images-aug-2022/): Please note, the images above are © 2022 – Epiacum Heritage / Dextra Visual
- [Trails - Routes across the Epiacum landscape](https://epiacumheritage.org/visitors/trails/): Pick up an Ancient Trails leaflet in the Nook Cafe & Shop or alternatively download a copy here. The Epiacum side of the South Tyne valley has four ancient routes that run roughly north – south across the landscape. The original route (shown in red on the image) was to the west of Epiacum and was the original ancient route along the valley. It divided the edges of the cultivated land in the valley and the upland moor landscape. This route has been used for thousands of years, probably from the Bronze Age onwards. The route can still be followed […]
- [Media Galleries - 2022](https://epiacumheritage.org/photo-galleries-2022/)
- [History](https://epiacumheritage.org/history/): The 1000 acre farmstead of Whitlow and Castle Nook demonstrates a continuous and ongoing relationship between the landscape and the people who have lived in and visited this place over at least the last 3000 years. It overlooks the meeting of five valleys which connect communities, markets and producers across and beyond the high hills of the north Pennines. The 2010 English Heritage LIDAR survey identified that the landscape has been valued and managed in many different ways. This is supported by historic documents and deeds citing the landholding and some of the people who have lived here. These include: The […]
- [](https://epiacumheritage.org/test-only/): This content is password protected. To view it please enter your password below: Password:
- [QR-00F](https://epiacumheritage.org/qr-code-landing-pages/qr-00f/): This is holding page for QR-00F
- [QR-00E](https://epiacumheritage.org/qr-code-landing-pages/qr-00e/): This is holding page for QR-00E
- [QR-00D](https://epiacumheritage.org/qr-code-landing-pages/qr-00d/): This is holding page for QR-00D
- [QR-00C](https://epiacumheritage.org/qr-code-landing-pages/qr-00c/): This is holding page for QR-00C
- [QR-00B](https://epiacumheritage.org/qr-code-landing-pages/qr-00b/): This is holding page for QR-00B
- [QR-00A](https://epiacumheritage.org/qr-code-landing-pages/qr-00a/): This is holding page for QR-00A
- [QR-009](https://epiacumheritage.org/qr-code-landing-pages/qr-009/): This is holding page for QR-009
- [QR-008](https://epiacumheritage.org/qr-code-landing-pages/qr-008/): This is holding page for QR-008
- [QR-007](https://epiacumheritage.org/qr-code-landing-pages/qr-007/): This is holding page for QR-007
- [QR-006](https://epiacumheritage.org/qr-code-landing-pages/qr-006/): This is holding page for QR-006
- [QR-005](https://epiacumheritage.org/qr-code-landing-pages/qr-005/): This is holding page for QR-05
- [QR-004](https://epiacumheritage.org/qr-code-landing-pages/qr-004/): This is holding page for QR-004
- [QR-003](https://epiacumheritage.org/qr-code-landing-pages/qr-003/): This is holding page for QR-003
- [QR-002](https://epiacumheritage.org/qr-code-landing-pages/qr-002/): This is holding page for QR-002
- [QR-001](https://epiacumheritage.org/qr-code-landing-pages/qr-001/): This is holding page for QR-001
- [QR-000](https://epiacumheritage.org/qr-code-landing-pages/qr-000/): Re-direct to Ancient Trail page.
- [QR Code Landing Pages](https://epiacumheritage.org/qr-code-landing-pages/): QR-000 – TBD QR-001 – TBD QR-002 – TBD QR-003 – TBD QR-004 – TBD QR-005 – TBD QR-006 – TBD QR-007 – TBD QR-008 – TBD QR-009 – TBD QR-00A – TBD QR-00B – TBD QR-00C – TBD QR-00D – TBD QR-00E – TBD QR-00F – TBD
- [Operation Jericho - Quern Stone Interim Report](https://epiacumheritage.org/about-us/research/archaeological-reports/operation-jericho-quern-stone-interim-report/): Back in 2018, Operation Jericho removed two dry stone walls that bisected the fort. In amongst the walls, many quern stones were found. John Cruse has written a summary of the findings on those quern stones. There report can be seen on Patreon here, a subscription is required.
- [Archaeological Reports](https://epiacumheritage.org/about-us/research/archaeological-reports/): Here are some links to information on the Altogether Archaeology website that relate to activities on or around the Epiacum site. With thanks to Altogether Archaeology. 16th – 24th July 2011 – Maiden Way: Project Design – Gallery – Report 5th November 2014 – Holymire Farmstead: Gallery – Report 23rd – 31st August 2014 – Gilderdale Burn: Project Design – Gallery – Report In addition, some other reports are available: Dig It! 2017 Excavation Report 2018 Operation Jericho quern stone summary.
- ['A Fort For All Seasons' Photo Competition - RELAUNCH](https://epiacumheritage.org/to-be-decided/photocomp/): Epiacum Heritage are delighted to announce the POST LOCKDOWN RELAUNCH of our photography competition ‘A Fort For All Seasons’. The competition will now run until the 30th September 2022 and any photographs taken between 22ndSeptember 2020, the original start date, and the new closing date will be eligible. The beautiful landscape surrounding Epiacum witnesses great extremes of weather – sometimes all in one day – and we are asking you to help us capture these changes. The competition has been divided into four categories: The aim of the competition is to produce a collection of images which convey a strong […]
- [A Master (in His) Class](https://epiacumheritage.org/a-master-in-his-class/): Once again we had the absolute pleasure this month of welcoming a wonderful group of people to our Masterclass in Landscape Archaeology  , which is quickly growing in popularity year on year. People travelled from all across the UK , and beyond, with one person coming from Canada and another from France! With pick up points arranged and public transport timetables navigated , everyone arrived safely in time for our Welcome meal, courtesy of Jim & Janice at the Low Byer Country Manor Hotel, all in good spirits and ready for a weekend of learning. Stewart Ainsworth, ably assisted by […]
- [Donate](https://epiacumheritage.org/get-involved/donate/): We are a charity. All donations are gratefully received! Using PayPal To donate using PayPal click here. By Text Message If you’re within the UK, you can also donate via text message as below. Text ROMAN 2 to 70580 to donate £2Text ROMAN 5 to 70580 to donate £5Text ROMAN 10 to 70580 to donate £10Texts will cost the donation amount plus one standard network rate message. Become a Friend Why not consider becoming a Friend of Epiacum? For a small annual subscription you’ll receive a regular newsletter. Click here to find out more. Thank you! Epiacum Heritage
- [Trustees and Advisors to the charity](https://epiacumheritage.org/get-involved/trustees-and-advisors-to-the-charity/): EPIACUM HERITAGE has now been in existence since 2008, and  become a registered charity in 2018. Our vision and aims are to preserve, protect, educate and celebrate……. A unique Roman Fort, the highest in England and one of the best preserved in Europe, at the heart of a heritage landscape spanning at least 3000 years with evidence of ……all set in an outstanding upland landscape in the North Pennines close to Alston Find out more about us and the Charity at https://epiacumheritage.org/ and https://en-gb.facebook.com/Epiacum/ As we develop and make this step change into a larger more active organisation we need to […]
- [Thank you for your donation](https://epiacumheritage.org/to-be-decided/thank-you-for-your-donation/): Thank you so much for your donation. Your support is really appreciated
- [Operation Jericho Diary : 30th August 2018](https://epiacumheritage.org/operation-jericho-diary300818/): Jericho Diary : Issue 1 : 31 August 2018 Jericho is GO – We’re on the Wall! Welcome to the First Diary of Operation Jericho Friends, Romans, Countrymen! And all others interested in history, archaeology, and the beautiful North Pennines: Greetings! It’s magical to immerse yourself in the history, to learn the stories of the people who came before. To be walking in their footsteps, and seeing the same view that has remained for thousands of years. The historic preservation of sites is like a time machine, taking you back in time, letting you get in touch with the past. […]
- [David Wilkinson](https://epiacumheritage.org/operation-jericho-roll-of-honour/david-wilkinson/): This is the stone that was sponsored by or for David during Operation Jericho:   Thank you!
- [Operation Jericho Roll of Honour](https://epiacumheritage.org/operation-jericho-roll-of-honour/): Epiacum heritage would like to thank the following people for their help with funding Operation Jericho . Links mean the named person sponsored a stone from the wall ( we will put the list into order when Op Jericho is finished). Damian Rudge Ron Ballard Nicholas Dunlavey David Wilkinson Malcolm Perkin Peter Martin Savvas Melis Stephen Brown Alice Bondi Brent Kelley Lotarivs John Reid David Went Stephen Brown Steve Bentley Ian Bell Judy Burg & Richard Taylor Paul W David Brear Stephen Brown Peter MacGowan Pauline Bond Katharine Macy Stephen Lloyd G.E McKellar John Lees P Magee Ben LeGrys Michael Collins Nigel […]
- [Operation Jericho: Important info for Nervians attending](https://epiacumheritage.org/operation-jericho-important-info-for-nervians-attending/): Important information for volunteers taking part in  Operation Jericho   Dear all With Jericho only a few days away, we’re publishing the following documents for your information and for your use.  Some are required for our administration purposes, others to help make your stay with us run smoothly, and at least one is just for fun. We would ask all volunteers to download these files, print the ones we recommend printing and bringing, and reading the others. They are all listed  and available in the right hand side bar of this page as PDFs, or, if you are on a […]
- [Limited Edition Second Nervian T-Shirts - Op Jericho](https://epiacumheritage.org/limited-edition-second-nervian-t-shirts-op-jericho/): Be better dressed than a well dressed Roman….     Limited Edition Second Nervian T-Shirts only for operation Jericho     This is a once only offer Only during Op Jericho  and only for Second Nervian Volunteers…       All T-shirts in Maroon (less purple than in photos) –  except  XXXL which come in a lovely Imperial Rome Red)   Order yours now and pick them up onsite during Op Jericho!  One less T-shirt to pack!   Please note – if you want us to send you a t-shirt by post DO NOT PAY – do this instead… If […]
- [Thank you - t-shirt](https://epiacumheritage.org/to-be-decided/thank-you-t-shirt/):   Thank you for your order – we will give you your t-shirt on site  
- [Thank you! Your Ticket is booked.](https://epiacumheritage.org/to-be-decided/thank-you-your-ticket-is-booked/): Thank you for booking your tickets  You will get an email conformation shortly. Just turn up at the door and we will let you in!   Date: Saturday 1st September 2018 Place: Knarsdale with Kirkhaugh Cairns Community Hall (Slaggyford Village Hall) Slaggyford, Brampton, Cumbria CA8 7NP Time: 19.30 / 7.30 PM Dress: Comfortable clothing and footwear that you can throw yourself around in (no high heels or slippery shoes) Bring: Your Drink for the evening and a plate of savoury food – we will put it all on a big table and we have an instant buffet! (If the food is special […]
- [How to be part of history…](https://epiacumheritage.org/how-to-be-part-of-history/): Epiacum has a long history and you can take your place in the story of this amazing site The Romans built it…. The Victorians split it in two…  with a dry stone wall We are going to remove it to open up access to this unique and amazing site Be part of the next stage of the chronicle of Epiacum There are two ways you can help: Donate Help to provide the equipment, expertise and accommodation needed to remove the wall Volunteer Actually come along and be part of an amazing moment in time. You can help in so many […]
- [Jericho: Volunteer Role Descriptions](https://epiacumheritage.org/1044-2/): Operation Jericho Volunteer Role Descriptions These are Volunteer Role Descriptions for Operation Jericho for you to download and peruse. Camp Set Up 2nd NE – VRD Jericho Camp Setup Wall Dismantling & Recording 2nd NE – VRD Jericho Wall Team Camp Support 2nd NE – VRD Jericho Camp Support Public Relations and Media 2nd NE – VRD Jericho PR and Media Decamp Volunteers 2nd NE – VRD Jericho Decamp Vol   You’re more than welcome to apply for any one role, or more than one if you wish.   Many thanks as always!    
- [Operation Jericho – The Epiacum 150 Challenge](https://epiacumheritage.org/operation-jericho-the-epiacum-150-challenge/): Help us knock down the wall! For three hundred years a drystone wall has bisected the fort, preventing it from being fully appreciated from the ground. The aerial photo shows this clearly. With the permission of the farmer and good weather forecast for summer we now have the chance to remove 150 metres of the wall and let the fort be seen in all its majesty,for the first time in generations and to the benefit of all our visitors,but we can only do this with your help…………… We have estimated the cost of the work to be around £10,000. This […]
- [On The Cadge](https://epiacumheritage.org/on-the-cadge/): Does anyone happen to have…? It’s not just people power and skills we often require to move projects and Epiacum Heritage forward.  Sometimes it may be a bit of kit that we need to borrow for a period of time, or that could be donated to help us in our work. ‘On the cadge‘ is a colloquial term from the North of England that translates in to the Queen’s English as ‘I’m looking to borrow, acquire or otherwise procure something’. On this page are items that would be very useful for upcoming or ongoing projects that we’d be very grateful […]
- [Volunteers Needed](https://epiacumheritage.org/volunteering/volunteers-needed/): Here are the projects that are currently on the drawing board, in the pipeline or definitely going ahead that we need volunteer assistance to deliver. Operation Jericho : 2-15 September 2018 CONFIRMED:  Recruiting now!   This is the big one! We’ll be posting more about “Operation Jericho” over the next couple of weeks both here, on social media and through local and national press. Those of you who know Epiacum will be aware that there is a historic dry-stone wall that cuts across the Roman fort that makes it impossible for visitors to walk across the whole fort and severely […]
- [The Second Nervians](https://epiacumheritage.org/get-involved/the-second-nervians/): Our volunteer network is affectionately nicknamed The Second Nervians. The name comes from the only Roman army unit so far identified to have definitely served at Epiacum, the Second Nervian Cohort, or to give them their Latin name cohors II Nerviorum civium Romanorum – you can see why we went for a nickname. The Second Nervian Cohort would have consisted of around 480 men recruited from the Nervii tribe who came from the region of what is now northern Belgium, around Brussels.  They were certainly stationed at Epiacum at the beginning of the third century and probably spent a lot […]
- [Volunteering](https://epiacumheritage.org/volunteering/): With over 3,500 years of history within the landscape and beneath the ground to look after, there’s always something to be done at Epiacum Heritage to help preserve and promote this unique site. As a small charity we rely on the goodwill of a host of supporters and we appreciate very much any and all contributions that our volunteers make.  We also believe that volunteering with Epiacum offers opportunities for individuals and community groups to learn about the site and the area, gain new skills and make new friends whilst having fun in the process.     There are always […]
- [Terms, conditions and privacy](https://epiacumheritage.org/about-us/terms-conditions-and-privacy/): Who we are Our website address is: https://epiacumheritage.org Comments When visitors leave comments on the site we collect the data shown in the comments form, and also the visitor’s IP address and browser user agent string to help spam detection. An anonymized string created from your email address (also called a hash) may be provided to the Gravatar service to see if you are using it. The Gravatar service privacy policy is available here: https://automattic.com/privacy/. After approval of your comment, your profile picture is visible to the public in the context of your comment. Media If you upload images to […]
- [Congratulations! You bagged a place on the Master Class!](https://epiacumheritage.org/to-be-decided/congratulations-you-bagged-a-place-on-the-master-class/): Well done!  You managed to get a place on the Master Class at Epiacum You will get an email shortly If you have any questions please contact us  We look forward to meeting you soon!  
- [SOLD OUT!](https://epiacumheritage.org/to-be-decided/sold-out/): Sorry the tickets for this event are sold out We occasionally get cancellations  – please contact us and we will let you know if we can squeeze you in
- [Are you sure?](https://epiacumheritage.org/to-be-decided/are-you-sure/): Are you sure you don’t want to book now? When the places to this event have gone, that’s it! You can either click back to make sure you get your tickets or contact us if you need some questions answered Be quick – this event is almost sold out…  
- [Thank you!](https://epiacumheritage.org/to-be-decided/thank-you-murder/): Thank you for booking your tickets to ‘Terror in a Toga’ at Lowbyer Manor in Alston. Please put Friday 27th April in your calendar. The fun starts at 6.30pm You will get more details by email from us shortly
- [Dig It! 2017 Excavation Report](https://epiacumheritage.org/about-us/research/archaeological-reports/dig-it-2017-excavation-report/): In September and October 2017 we ran test pit excavations to inform our understanding of the context of the Roman Fort and begin to unpick how the site has been used in the centuries since the Roman occupation. Trenches 1 – 6 were in an area we suspected has a “good depth of time” here. This area is sandwiched between the south eastern fort ramparts, Holy Mire Bastle (a ruined medieval farmstead) and the Maiden Way Roman Road . The geophysical survey showed up anomalies which we wanted to investigate. These possible enclosures are overlain by rigg and furrow ploughing, so we […]
- [Epiacum POP Project](https://epiacumheritage.org/epiacum-pop-project/): Epiacum POP (Planning Our Partnerships) is a £48,000 project funded through the Heritage Lottery Fund’s new Resilient Heritage programme. It is running between May 2017 and spring 2018. For several years Epiacum Heritage has struggled financially, moving from one grant funded project to another and only the belief and generosity of volunteers has kept it alive. Fundraising activities have maintained a small core fund to pay for site and event insurance and provide a few events. Now this project means Epiacum Heritage Ltd will be able to move forward with stronger finances, governance, and partnerships, achieving better conservation and larger audiences through […]
- [Young Recruits](https://epiacumheritage.org/get-involved/young-recruits/): Our geocaching minifigure is off exploring the Roman Empire, and while he’s away he needs some young recruits to guard Epiacum Roman Fort for him. Are your kids up for the task? Borrow some weapons from the chest in our car park, and pick up a Clue trail leaflet from the rack, and you’re all set to patrol the fort, answering tricky challenges as you go. And if you’re ready for advanced training, try to find the Epiacum View Geocache, and swap a piece of treasure while you’re here. Marcus says: “Benediximus!”
- [Trustees](https://epiacumheritage.org/about-us/directors/): We currently have vacancies for new trustees, particularly with expertise in the field of archaeology, landscape, farming, social enterprise, and policy making. Please email epiacum@gmail.com if you would like to find out more. Epiacum Heritage is managed by a small team of Trustees. Steve Bentley Steve has been a Trustee of Epiacum Heritage since July 2019. He first became aware of the site when he moved to Alston from the Midlands in July 2015. Steve says: I have no background in stunning archaeological sites, although I was born some 12 miles from Ironbridge (World Heritage Site) and have always been […]
- [Advisory Group](https://epiacumheritage.org/about-us/advisory-group/): Epiacum Heritage is refreshing its advisory group, which will include some well established “friends” and some new advisors to broaden the spectrum of subjects. The Trustees are keen to seek the best and appropriate advice to enable us to make correct and informed decisions relating to Epiacum and its environs. We have had a good and exciting response to our invitations and as soon as we know the precise make up of the group we shall, of course, publish details here.
- [Links](https://epiacumheritage.org/about-us/links/): Epiacum Heritage Ltd is happy to recommend the following links: Tourist Information Explore North Pennines> Walkers are Welcome on Alston Moor > South Tynedale Railway > Visit Alston Moor – The official visitor website > Nenthead Mines > Killhope Lead Mining Museum Companies we have worked with Conchie & Co: Community Heritage and Learning > The Archaeological Practice > Simon Danby Film maker Big Heritage – Engaging young people with the past > Oracle Heritage Services > Local Information North Pennines Virtual Museum (including finds from Epiacum)> Books on the history of Alston Moor by Hundy Publications > Organisations who support us […]
- [Get Involved](https://epiacumheritage.org/get-involved/): Here are the ways you can get involved with what’s going on at Epiacum: Friends Become a Friend of Epiacum – We now use Patreon as a platform for our Friends. It’s also our default blog site. Here you will find content that will either be: Please go to https://patreon.com/epiacumheritage to take a look, a subscription of (£1 + VAT in the UK) will help us achieve our goal of covering all our operational running costs. Please remember, no-one gets paid for work they do for the charity, we’re all volunteers. Events Come along to some of our public events These […]
- [After the Tudors - since 1600AD](https://epiacumheritage.org/history/after-the-romans-3-post-medeval-times-from-ad1600/): Bastle houses. (circa. 1600) Bastles are defensible farmhouses from the time of the Border Reivers, where rival clans living in ‘the debatable lands’ between England and Scotland, raided each other’s farm steadings. They are characterised by having defensible living quarters on the first floor, and thick-walled ground floors rooms within which livestock could be safeguarded when under attack. Castle Nook and Whitlow farm has the remains of at least four bastles. The earthworks of two survive within the fort, while the remains of others survive within later building complexes at Holymire and Whitlow. These bastles probably date from some point […]
- [Medieval times - form 1066AD to 1600AD](https://epiacumheritage.org/history/after-the-romans-2-medieval-times-ad1066-1600/): Medieval times (AD1066 – 1600) The origins of Alston are not known, but by the twelfth century it had replaced Epiacum as the main settlement in the region. Alston developed primarily as a market town and as an administrative centre for the lead industry, but site of Epiacum was perhaps never completely abandoned. Earthworks of medieval and post-medieval field systems surround the fort, demonstrating that the land here was under the plough for considerable periods of time over the past 1,000 years. Well-preserved ‘ridge-and-furrow’ field systems can be seen to the east of the fort, in some places overlying the […]
- [Dark-Ages - from 410AD to 1066AD](https://epiacumheritage.org/history/after-the-romans-1-the-dark-ages-and-the-anglo-saxon-centuries-ad410-ad1066/): While research at Roman sites tends to concentrate on the three-and-a-bit centuries of the Roman occupation, the end of the Roman period is no less interesting. It is often assumed that when Roman rule ended in AD410, the Roman soldiers ‘went home’, but for most of the men stationed at Epiacum, this was their home! Although no more pay packets would arrive from the Empire, it is presumed that many people continued to live locally, perhaps making use of the old Roman buildings within and around the fort for a few generations. The remnants of the army, groups of men […]
- [The Romans](https://epiacumheritage.org/history/the-romans/): At 330 metres above sea level, Epiacum (Whitley Castle) is the highest stone-built Roman fort in Britain. It housed a garrison of about 600 men (480 infantry plus 128 cavalry) and was probably built to control mining for lead and silver. Although we have yet to discover evidence for Roman mining in the North Pennines, archaeologists agree that it must have taken place here. The Roman road known as the Maiden Way, which runs between the forts at Kirkby Thore, in the Eden Valley, and Carvoran (the Roman Army Museum), on Hadrian’s Wall, passes just down hill of Epiacum fort. Most […]
- [Prehistory](https://epiacumheritage.org/history/before-the-romans/): People have lived in the landscape around Epiacum for about 10,000 years, ever since the end of the last Ice Age. The time before the Romans is referred to as ‘prehistory’, which means before historical records were made. We have no written sources to help us understand prehistory, which means we have to rely on archaeological discoveries to help us understand it. Prehistory is divided into the Stone Age, the Bronze Age, and the Iron Age. The Stone Age is further subdivided into the Old Stone Age (The Palaeolithic), the Middle Stone Age (the Mesolithic) and the New Stone Age […]
- [Contact Us](https://epiacumheritage.org/contact-us/): Epiacum Heritage Ltd maintains an on-site office at Castle Nook Farm. The postal address is: Epiacum Heritage LtdCastle Nook FarmCumbriaCA9 3BG Tel: 01434 382080 For general enquiries about Epiacum, please contact us using the form below. Please note that the office is only managed on a part-time basis, but we will deal with all enquiries as promptly as possible. If you phone and there is no-one in the office, please do leave a message and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
- [About Us](https://epiacumheritage.org/about-us/): This website is maintained by EPIACUM HERITAGE CIO, a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (a registered charity No 1178087). The charity is responsible for the protection, stewardship, management and development of the scheduled monument known as Epiacum Roman Fort, and works to explore and develop the site for the purpose of public participation, access and enjoyment. There are no employees of the charity, and it is sustained entirely by the efforts of volunteers (including Trustees and the Advisory Group). The Directors meet every 2 months. These few volunteers help with the governance and development of the organisation, and in the delivery of […]
- [News](https://epiacumheritage.org/blog/)
- [Research](https://epiacumheritage.org/about-us/research/): A new Research Framework and Conservation Plan for Epiacum As part of the Epiacum POP (Planning Our Partnerships) project, the Directors of Epiacum Heritage Ltd have commissioned an Heritage Conservation Plan and Research Framework. It will: The finished Research Framework can be found below. Active research Extensive non-invasive surveys (see below) have identified possible features of interest from all time periods across the farm. The next stage is to analyse some of features judged to be possibly significant by sampling using an organised programme of test pits. These excavations will be supervised by a consultant archaeologist, and will be open to […]
- [Welcome](https://epiacumheritage.org/): This website is aimed at helping a broad spectrum of users to find information which is relevant to them, whether that be to simply plan a visit to Epiacum (Whitley Castle), or to find out more about its history and archaeology. The CIO is currently in the process of assessing and updating the website content, however, the original vision for Epiacum – to make its history and archaeology accessible to all – remains unchanged.  The Roman fort at Epiacum is located near Castle Nook, only a couple of miles north-west of Alston, a small market town in the North Pennines. There is […]
- [Visit Us](https://epiacumheritage.org/visitors/): IMPORTANT – Please Note!! Epiacum fort is located on a working farm, and there are sheep and cattle in the fields. To help the famers (John and Ian), please leave gates as you find them and keep all dogs on a lead. The views are spectacular, but do come prepared to get mucky and wet!  The ground is soft peaty grassland and is frequently extremely muddy, uneven, steep and slippery, and you can be very exposed to the weather. Make sure you dress for the weather and be prepared for it to change very quickly! You should definitely consider wearing sturdy […]


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