The latest research by archaeologists from the Museum of London Archeology reveals the existence of a previously unknown Roman fort, built-in 63 CE. The camp was the result of the siege of London by Boudica and her warriors.
The uprising of Boudica razed the city to the ground at the turn of 60 and 61 CE. However, little is known about what actions the Romans took to secure the London area. Excavations at Plantation Place on Fenchurch Street in London revealed a section of a rectangular fort that covered 3.7 acres. The earth embankments, reinforced with a wooden structure, were 3 meters high. There was a flat area for combat at the top. There were towers on the sides of the gate, and two ditches 1.9 and 3 meters deep in front of the embankments. Such safeguards were a big obstacle for the attackers.
Roman soldiers were amazing constructors and engineers. All possible resources were used, including the remains of the burnt buildings from the uprising. According to the calculations of researchers, such a fort as Plantation Place could accommodate the entire cohort – about 500 people, and it could be built within a few weeks with the help of captured Britons. Archaeologists found a hammer and a pickaxe, tools that were used to set up camps.
In the fort area, traces of roads, a warehouse and administrative structures of the fort, a granary, a kitchen, and a latrine were found. Fragments of armour, helmets and harnesses were also found. According to scientists, the fort was kept clean.
The fort was probably built as a temporary structure. The tents in which the legionaries lived prove that the camp could have existed for up to 10 years. Building the barracks was pointless given the nervous atmosphere in Britain after the British rebellion was put down. It was anticipated that any unrest would require the unit’s relocation. The fort was a remedy to stabilize the region shortly after it was built. It was located above the main roads of London and dominated a dilapidated city abandoned by civilians.
In 120 CE a much larger Cripplegate camp was established in the area, and around the 3rd century CE, the rebuilt city was fortified with a wall.
