By Luan Hanratty
This remarkable and unmistakable discovery, as well as the other finds, have emerged from between 60cm-75cm down on a 60cm-wide x 100cm-long test trench on the suspected line of the Fosse, outlined in this recent post:
The finds were produced from below the baseline of the medieval wall, detailed in the previous post. They were found within a few inches from the wall’s edge. it appears that medieval wall was built directly on top of a layer of Roman hardcore used to firm the path to the headand.
Main objects found:
- Iron arrowhead — so old it had concreted into an unrecognisable lump of ore which when finely removed revealed a sharp arrowhead.
- Several sherds of samian ware — high quality pottery imported from the continent.
- A piece of glass — containing tiny air bubbles indicative of Roman glass and in a shape that forms a circle the size of a large drinking vessel.
- Grey ware — common Roman pottery.
- Colour-coated ware — common good quality Roman pottery.
- Stucco plaster — decorated with what may be the eye of a bird.
- Hematite grinding stone — for produicing pigment for red paint.
How can this many objects come from such a small test hole?
It is reasonable that, in-line with the theory, these objects, given their small size and large quantity, were contained in a collection of refuse, possibly from Segedunum, that was transported to Tynemouth to be dumped on the Fosse rampart overlooking the river. This was for use as construction hardcore to firm up the path so horses and carts could travel along it, back and forth from Penbal Crag.
This contruction may have happened during the widespread fortification work of Septimius Severus in the area between 208-211 AD. This invokes the idea that the rampart between Wallsend and the sea was called ‘Severus’ Ditch’ by John Leland in the 16th century, as well as confirming references to the Fosse stretching all the way to Penbal Crag by other eminent antiquaries such as Brand and Hodgson in the 18th and 19th centuries respectively. Emperor Severus may have frequently traversed the path on horseback himself inspecting the works…
These finds are waiting to be verified by professionals from Newcastle University and hopefully they can be accurately dated. If confirmed, this would be one of the largest collections of Roman objects found at Tynemouth. No trace of Roman buildings or building work have ever been found in the village, so these discoveries are highly significant.
Just imagine what else lies along this tantalising line!
