Trimontium Fort Site

About Trimontium Fort Site

The Romans built their fort at the base of the Eildon Hills, which they called 'Trimontium', meaning "Place of the Three Hills". The Fort was strategically located to control the river crossing on Dere Street and to command the Tweed valley to the west. Trimontium was a cavalry fort predating Hadrian's wall and occupied on and off between 80AD and 211AD. With a turbulent history of abandonment and reoccupation, Trimontium was one of the largest forts in Scotland and more than double the size of the largest forts on Hadrian's Wall. It could hold a garrison of around 1,500 soldiers plus a burgeoning civilian population including families, traders, makers and camp followers. In total, the fort may have had as many as 5,000 inhabitants, at its height. The site also has the northernmost amphitheatre in the Roman Empire, yet confirmed.
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Almost nothing remains of the fort above ground, but the outlines of the buildings can be identified and archaeological digs have uncovered a substantial number of artefacts. Althought there are no standing ruins to visit, the site provides stunning views of the countryside, the river Tweed, the Leaderfoot Vidaduct and the Eildons. The site displays interpretation boards around the fort, a commemoration monument in the shape of a Roman altar, a replica milestone and a reconstruction of a Roman watch tower. It is a perfect place for walking and cycling. The Trimontium Museum has also developed an App that navigates the fort bringing it to life with digital reconstructions, photos, video and audio. The app is free to download: https://www.trimontium.co.uk/visit/fort-site/

The site was first excavated by a local solicitor, antiquarian and amateur archaeologist, James Curle between 1905 and 1910. Over 4,000 objects were found including an impressive array of military finds such as cavalry helmets and masks, armour, and weapons, as well as perfectly preserved wooden items, pottery, luxury wine jugs and a wealth of small finds including jewellery. A collection of these artefacts can be seen in the Trimontium Museum in Melrose.
Guided walks to the fort site are available through the Trimontium Museum.