Archaeologists have completed the fifth and most fruitful excavation season at Bremenium Fort in High Rochester, Northumberland National Park, and have uncovered the largest range of artifacts and architectural remains to date. The project, run by the Redesdale Archaeological Group (RAG) and supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, continues to deepen understanding of this key Roman frontier site.

Looking west. A busy trench scene. In front of the turf heap, a black patch of soil defines the area excavated in 2024. Leading away to the east from the turf heap is a wall into which a bread kiln has been built. At the top right is the cobbled road, and the ranging pole highlights another wall. In the foreground, there are several patches of burning. University of Newcastle students are featured. Credit: Northumberland National Park

This year’s dig included 44 adult volunteers in total, who contributed over 2,000 hours, and three young participants, one of whom was a dedicated 15-year-old who volunteered for six days in a row. They also had the help of 24 archaeology students from Newcastle University, who contributed another 2,080 hours of excavation work based at the Rochester Village Hall.

The 2025 season produced outstanding finds that illuminated life at Bremenium, once one of the most northerly Roman forts in Britain. Finds included an exquisite range of Roman pottery from across the Empire: Samian Ware, Black Burnished Ware, Grey Ware, Nene Valley Ware, Mortaria, and a Spanish amphora likely used for olive oil. These finds demonstrate vibrant supply chains and trade connections stretching across the Roman provinces.

Miniature oil lamp discovered at Bremenium Fort. Credit: Northumberland National Park

Among the military items were a spearhead and a slinger’s lead sH๏τ, typical of the equipment used by a Roman soldier. Personal and decorative artifacts added a human touch — a votive oil lamp, a lead seal which could have been used for official correspondence, and some items of jewelry. Two finely engraved intaglios and some brooches, including well-preserved dolphin-style ones with enamel remnants, show both craftsmanship and cultural expression in the fort.

Finely engraved Roman intaglios discovered at the Bremenium Fort site. Credit: Northumberland National Park

Waterlogged conditions in the lower trenches provided ideal conditions for the conservation of organic materials that are rarely found in dry soil, including a wooden object and an astonishingly well-preserved piece of fruit, perhaps a plum — a vivid picture of ordinary life from nearly two millennia ago. Structural evidence also suggested that one of the buildings within the site had been rebuilt at least three times, indicating prolonged occupation and architectural adaptation over the centuries.

Chris Jones, Historic Environment Officer at Northumberland National Park Authority, welcomed the results of the dig: “High Rochester continues to reveal its secrets, and it’s inspiring to see so many people, of all ages, engaged in the uncovering of their shared heritage. These discoveries help us understand how people in the past lived from the remains they left behind, which has made such a lasting imprint on the landscape.” He noted that such work also informs conservation strategies for the Park’s historic landscapes.

A wide view of the archaeological dig at High Rochester. Credit: Northumberland National Park

Bob Jackson, RAG’s excavation leader, called this season’s results “exceptional in both quanтιтy and quality.”

“The range of pottery and metalwork, especially the amphora and the intact brooches, offers new insights into trade, craftsmanship, and daily life at Bremenium,” he said, thanking volunteers, students, and lottery players for their vital contributions.

The excavation also welcomed many visitors and local groups, including Kids Kabin, North Tyne Youth, North East Sight Matters, and North Tynedale University of the Third Age, through the Park’s Healthy Parks, Healthy People initiative.

With its most productive season now complete, the team plans to return next year to explore deeper levels of this important Roman fort.