Portus Lemanis
Portus Lemanis was the Latin name of an ancient Roman fort, settlement and port in southern Kent. The modern village of Lympne derives its name from the ancient port.The fort stood on a hill overlooking a reach of sea which has since been drained to form the Romney Marsh. A harbour lay to the south and east. A vicus (civilian settlement) had also sprung up in its proximity, situated astride the Roman road now known as Stone street that leads to Canterbury. After Boudica's Revolt, London (Londinium) commanded the major bridge across the Thames connecting the final northern and western legionary bases with the Kentish ports communicating with Boulogne (Gesoriacum) and the rest of the Empire. Stone Street was one of six core roads that were constructed tying the new capital to the existing network.
The site, long known locally as Stutfall Castle, is on private land and may not be visited. According to the 5th century Notitia Dignitatum (probably recording the situation in the late 4th century), the fort was garrisoned by a regiment raised in Tournai [the oldest city in Belgium] and formed part of a defence system known as the Saxon Shore.
In the background is Lympne Castle which is believed to be haunted, and has attracted mediums and ghost-hunters over the years. You can see a view from the castle terrace here www.flickr.com/photos/134633393@N02/35678620681/in/album-...
Portus Lemanis
Portus Lemanis was the Latin name of an ancient Roman fort, settlement and port in southern Kent. The modern village of Lympne derives its name from the ancient port.The fort stood on a hill overlooking a reach of sea which has since been drained to form the Romney Marsh. A harbour lay to the south and east. A vicus (civilian settlement) had also sprung up in its proximity, situated astride the Roman road now known as Stone street that leads to Canterbury. After Boudica's Revolt, London (Londinium) commanded the major bridge across the Thames connecting the final northern and western legionary bases with the Kentish ports communicating with Boulogne (Gesoriacum) and the rest of the Empire. Stone Street was one of six core roads that were constructed tying the new capital to the existing network.
The site, long known locally as Stutfall Castle, is on private land and may not be visited. According to the 5th century Notitia Dignitatum (probably recording the situation in the late 4th century), the fort was garrisoned by a regiment raised in Tournai [the oldest city in Belgium] and formed part of a defence system known as the Saxon Shore.
In the background is Lympne Castle which is believed to be haunted, and has attracted mediums and ghost-hunters over the years. You can see a view from the castle terrace here www.flickr.com/photos/134633393@N02/35678620681/in/album-...