Binchester, Roman Fort © DCC 2007


Binchester, Roman Fort © DCC 2007

'A range of rooms excavated by J. Proud and the Rev. R.E.Hooppell, 1878-9. The largest chamber, measuring 16ft. x 22ft. had flue tiles in situ around the walls. Below this chamber was a very well-preserved hypocaust of the same dimensions, with 88 pilae of Roman brick still to be seen. The building containing those rooms was apparently built during the first occupation of the fort and may have originally been the praetorium, later converted to public baths. The paved courtyard between the building and Roman road was laid down during the time of Constantine 323-337 {ref. 2}'. The acquisition of the land on which today's excavated remains are displayed was negotiated for Durham County Council by the Bishop Auckland Archaeological Research Group during its 1964-73 campaign to rescue the collapsing hypocaust. Following re-excavation of its associated room in 1964, a building to protect the bulk of the bath suite was then erected. During 1969-73, the Group completed excavation of the rooms within the building, as well as one in the Hall garden. {ref. 3}. 4 rooms and an exercise area are now visible. {ref. 1}