[14577] Doncaster : Roman Fort

Church Street, Doncaster, South Yorkshire.

Roman Doncaster.

 

It is almost certain that Doncaster was chosen as the site for a Roman auxiliary fort because it lay on the border between the powerful and truculent Brigantes tribe north of the river, and the relatively civilised and peaceful Coritani, which southern tribe had been quickly incorporated within the Roman provincial system. As soon as the presence of the Roman military had deterred unrest in the immediate area, a small settlement called a vicus became established in the protective lee of the fort. Originally this would have housed the normal camp followers, including the girlfriends, wives and children of some of the soldiers (who were not supposed to marry until retirement, but this particular rule was frequently overlooked), also publicians, prostitutes, purveyors of pastries, and anyone else seeking to profit from the five-hundred or so troops in the Danum garrison. This site, situated as it was between two native British tribes, would have attracted traders from both nations, and before long a substantial border settlement became established here at the crossing of the Don, which eventually boasted several large public buildings.

 

www.roman-britain.org/places/danum.htm

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