Beneath the fields beside modern Melrose lies Trimontium, the Roman complex at Newstead. Its forts, camps, roads and civilian activity made this one of the most important military centres in Roman Scotland.
Amazing fact
At Newstead, archaeologists found spectacular cavalry equipment, helmets, tools and personal objects—one of the richest Roman military collections from Scotland.
Why this area mattered
The site controlled the Tweed valley and Dere Street, the great road leading north from Roman Britain. Its position allowed troops to move towards the Forth while remaining connected to the south.
Roman places near you
Newstead forts
A sequence of forts occupied the site at different times rather than one fort remaining unchanged throughout the Roman period.
Temporary camps
Several camps around Newstead record the movement and concentration of campaigning armies.
Trimontium Museum
The museum in Melrose presents the objects, people and changing interpretation of the site.
What can you see today?
Begin at Trimontium Museum, then use the local walking routes and viewpoints to understand the relationship between the site, the Eildon Hills and the Tweed.
