Bling

Hi all,
         Here is some ancient bling from my local Museum in Birmingham, UK.

This is a replica, it must have taken quite a few hours to do now, so the original must have taken months to complete.

Please Note: This is not a permanent exhibit.

Ivor Cogdell

Ambleside Roman Fort

Hi All,
         I have just got back from my latest holiday in Ambleside, at the top end of Lake Windermere in the lake district. I did plenty of walking and photography, As a bonus for us wargamers, it has a partially excavated Roman Fort. I thought you would like to take a look around.

The main gate, looking NW.  To the right, the trees are where the tower would have stood.

In front of the main gates is a covered drain, made from stone slabs, running north-south, with two access points, possibly to water horses or cleaning off sandals before entering the fort.

Looking North.

The Central Layout (South to the left.)

The Headquarters Building

From the corner of the Commander's house.

SE corner of the Commander's house.

SW corner of Commander's House

I think the HQ had a plunge pool, rather overgrown now. I missed getting a pic of it this time, but I will slot it in when I find it among my earlier visit photos.

Looking NE.

Looking East.

Looking towards the shore of Lake Windermere..

The shallows have been lined with stones for better grip and durability, for when boats were pulled ashore for unloading cargo..

Cows on the early external Tower position.

This was possibly the only time that the Romans used an external tower connected to their rampart.

View from the tower across the site.

Another view of the tower area.

Looking South, the Granary store is the nearest building.

The Granary Building's thick walls..

Looking West.

The original appearance of the site, the lake is to the left with the river behind the walls at the top. The vicus or civilian settlement would have been in the lower right area.

The Plans of the forts.

Not sure if this video works??.

Enjoy.

Ivor Cogdell