- 124 AD Fort built housing 500 cavalrymen
- 138 AD to 161 – some work was carried out in the fort by the 6th Legion but it is uncertain if it was occupied
- 178 AD The Asturian Cavalry from Spain occupied the fort
- 230 AD to 270 AD civil wars and barbarian invasions severed traditional links and manpower was drawn from sons of serving soldiers.
Visit Chesters
Chesters preserves a cavalry fort, bathhouse and museum at Chollerford beside the North Tyne. Check English Heritage’s current visitor arrangements.
Chesters at a glance
| Occupation | Hadrianic foundation with later rebuilding and prolonged Roman occupation. |
| Garrison | The ala Augusta is attested under Hadrian; the Second Ala of Asturians was a later long-term garrison. |
| Size | About 2.32 hectares (5.7 acres). |
| Troop estimate | Around 500 cavalry at nominal establishment. |
Inscriptions
Dated inscriptions distinguish successive cavalry regiments from legionary building detachments.
Sources for this summary
References
- Chesters Roman Fort (Historic England Research Records)
- HISTORY OF CHESTERS ROMAN FORT (English Heritage)
- Download a plan of Chesters Fort (English Heritage)
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