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Brunton Turret - A Sentinel of Hadrian's Wall

Explore Brunton Turret, a well-preserved Roman watchtower standing sentinel on Hadrian's Wall near Hexham, revealing ancient frontier life and military ingenuity.

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Brunton Turret is a well-preserved Roman military watchtower standing about 2.5 metres high, forming part of Hadrian's Wall near Hexham, Northumberland. Built around AD 122 by the Twentieth Legion, it served as a lookout and shelter for small groups of soldiers guarding the empire's north-west boundary. The site includes a 69-metre stretch of the Wall and features distinctive architectural elements revealing Roman construction techniques.

A brief summary to Brunton Turret - Hadrian's Wall

  • Brunton Bank, Hexham, NE46 4EJ, GB
  • +443703331181
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
  • Free
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Visit during daylight hours as the site is open freely with no entrance fee.
  • Combine your visit with nearby Chesters Roman Fort for facilities and a deeper dive into Roman history.
  • Wear sturdy footwear for walking along the uneven terrain of the Chesters Roman Trail.
  • Be mindful of farm livestock in the surrounding fields.
  • Check weather conditions before visiting, especially in windy or wet weather.
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Getting There

  • Car

    Driving to Brunton Turret is straightforward via the A69 road towards Hexham, with parking available at Chesters Roman Fort approximately 20 minutes’ walk away. Parking is free but limited, so plan accordingly. The walk to the turret follows the scenic Chesters Roman Trail along uneven terrain.

  • Bus

    Local bus services run from Hexham to Chollerford, with journey times around 30-40 minutes. From Chollerford, the turret is accessible by a 30-minute walk along the Chesters Roman Trail. Bus services may be less frequent on weekends and public holidays.

  • Walking

    For those staying nearby or at Chesters Roman Fort, walking to Brunton Turret along the Chesters Roman Trail takes about 20-30 minutes over gently undulating terrain. The path is unpaved and may be muddy after rain, so wear suitable footwear.

Brunton Turret - Hadrian's Wall location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather
  • Weather icon Clear Skies
  • Weather icon Windy Conditions
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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Discover more about Brunton Turret - Hadrian's Wall

Roman Frontier Architecture and Military Strategy

Brunton Turret, also known as Turret 26b, is an integral part of Hadrian's Wall, a monumental defensive structure commissioned by Emperor Hadrian around AD 122. This turret was one of approximately 160 watchtowers spaced two to every Roman mile along the Wall’s 80 Roman-mile (117.5 km) length. Constructed by the Twentieth Legion, Brunton Turret was designed as a small fortified post where soldiers could keep watch over the northern frontier of the Roman Empire and provide early warning of any approaching threats.

Design and Structural Details

The turret is about 6 metres square externally and stands up to 2.5 metres tall today, though its original height is uncertain. It was recessed into the thickness of Hadrian’s Wall, which forms its north wall, with a door in the south wall providing access to a ground-floor room and stairs leading to an upper floor. While the upper sections no longer survive, the turret likely featured an open observation platform or a roofed structure, possibly with pitched tiles or thatch to suit the damp northern climate. Notably, the curtain wall adjoining the turret varies in thickness on each side, a subtle clue to the sequence of construction and Roman engineering methods.

Life at Brunton Turret and Roman Military Presence

Archaeological finds such as gaming counters and cooking utensils indicate that the turret was more than a lookout point; it offered shelter where small groups of soldiers could rest, cook, and relax during their watch shifts. The Roman army was organized into legions, cohorts, and centuries, with each century responsible for building and manning sections of the Wall, including turrets like Brunton.

Setting and Surrounding Landscape

Brunton Turret is located near Chesters Roman Fort in Northumberland, set amidst rolling countryside that once marked the empire’s northern boundary. The site includes a 69-metre preserved section of Hadrian’s Wall stretching along the hillside, dividing fields and woodland. This landscape offers visitors a tangible connection to Roman Britain and the strategic importance of this frontier.

Visitor Experience and Nearby Attractions

Visitors can explore the turret and the adjacent Wall section freely during daylight hours, with no entrance fee. Nearby Chesters Roman Fort, about a mile away, provides additional amenities including parking, toilets, a tearoom, and a visitor center with exhibits on Roman military life. The Chesters Roman Trail links these sites, allowing for an immersive historical walk through one of England’s most iconic heritage landscapes.

Preservation and Historical Significance

Brunton Turret is among the best-preserved turrets on Hadrian’s Wall, maintained by English Heritage. Its preservation offers valuable insights into Roman military architecture and frontier life. The site’s enduring presence underscores the Roman Empire’s far-reaching influence and the sophisticated engineering that supported its northern defenses.

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