Hadrian's Wall Milecastle Plaque
A small black plaque on Westgate Road marks the buried remains of Milecastle 4, a Roman fortified gate on Hadrian’s Wall in the heart of Newcastle upon Tyne.
Embedded in the wall of a modern building on Westgate Road, this small black plaque marks the site of Milecastle 4, a Roman fortified gate that once stood on Hadrian’s Wall in Newcastle upon Tyne. Uncovered in 1985, the stone foundations of this 2nd-century milecastle lie beneath the Newcastle Arts Centre, offering a quiet but powerful reminder of the city’s deep Roman roots. It’s a subtle yet evocative stop for history lovers exploring the city centre.
A brief summary to A Hadrian's Wall Milecastle Plaque
- Music, 71 Westgate Rd, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SG, GB
- Duration: 0.25 to 0.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Look closely at the plaque and the surrounding wall; the site is easy to miss in the busy city environment.
- Combine this stop with a visit to nearby historic sites like the Newcastle Town Wall or the Castle Keep for a fuller sense of the city’s layered past.
- Visit during daylight hours for the best view of the plaque and to appreciate its setting in the urban streetscape.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Walking
From central Newcastle, walk along Westgate Road from the Haymarket area; the plaque is set into the wall of a building near the Newcastle Arts Centre, about a 10-minute walk from the city core.
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Public Transport (Bus)
Take a bus towards the West End from Eldon Square Bus Station and alight at the Westgate Road stop; from there, walk a short distance along the road to reach the plaque.
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Metro
Use the Metro to St James Station, then walk towards the city centre and along Westgate Road; the plaque is a 15-minute walk from the station along the main road.
A Hadrian's Wall Milecastle Plaque location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about A Hadrian's Wall Milecastle Plaque
Where Rome Met the North
Standing on Westgate Road in central Newcastle, you’re walking where Roman soldiers once stood. The small black plaque set into the wall of a contemporary building marks the location of Milecastle 4, a fortified gate along Hadrian’s Wall. This milecastle was part of the great frontier system built in the 2nd century AD under Emperor Hadrian, designed to control movement and defend the northern edge of the Roman Empire in Britain. Though the structure itself is buried beneath the Newcastle Arts Centre at 67–75 Westgate Road, the plaque serves as a clear signpost to this ancient past, connecting the modern city to its imperial origins.Uncovering a Hidden Fort
In 1985, during archaeological work in the yards behind the Arts Centre, stone foundations were uncovered and identified as the south-west corner of a Roman milecastle. These remains confirmed that this section of Westgate Road once formed part of the Roman frontier defences. Milecastles like this one were small, rectangular forts spaced roughly every Roman mile along the Wall, each housing a small garrison and controlling a gateway through the barrier. Milecastle 4 would have been a working military post, with soldiers monitoring traffic and maintaining order along this stretch of the frontier.A Quiet Marker in the City
The plaque itself is modest: a simple black stone inscription set into the wall of a modern building, easily missed by passers-by. It clearly states that this was the site of a Hadrian’s Wall milecastle, dating from the 2nd century AD, and notes the 1985 discovery of its south-west corner. Unlike the more dramatic stretches of the Wall in the countryside, this urban milecastle is invisible above ground, but the plaque ensures its memory is not lost. It’s a thoughtful, low-key monument that rewards a moment of pause amid the bustle of the city.Connecting to Hadrian’s Wall
Hadrian’s Wall is one of the most significant Roman monuments in the UK, stretching 73 miles across northern England. Milecastle 4 is just one of many such structures along its length, but its location in the heart of Newcastle makes it a particularly accessible point of contact with this ancient frontier. For visitors, it’s a chance to stand on the exact line of the Wall in a modern city, imagining the contrast between Roman soldiers and today’s shoppers and students. It also links to broader stories of empire, defence, and daily life on the edge of the Roman world.Exploring Roman Newcastle
This plaque is a natural starting point for anyone interested in Roman Newcastle. Nearby, the city’s medieval walls and other historic buildings echo centuries of layered history, while museums and heritage sites in the area provide deeper context. The site is free to visit and requires no special access, making it an easy addition to a city walk. Whether you’re a dedicated history enthusiast or simply curious about the layers beneath the modern streets, Milecastle 4 offers a tangible connection to a distant past that still shapes the city’s identity.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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