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William
Roy - The Military Antiquities of the Romans in North
Britain
- Notes
on the "Roman" Roads of the One-inch Ordnance Map
of Scotland, The Ayrshire Road, James MacDonald,
PSAS, vol.27, (1892-1893), pp. 417-43
- Notes
on the "Roman" Roads of the One-inch Ordnance Map
of Scotland, Preliminary Remarks, James MacDonald,
PSAS, vol.28, (1893-94), pp.20-57
- Notes
on the "Roman" Roads of the One-inch Ordnance Map
of Scotland, The Dumfresshire Roads, James MacDonald,
PSAS, vol.28, (1893-94), pp.298-320
- Notes
on the 'Roman Roads' of the One-Inch Ordnance Map
of Scotland, The Roxburghshire Roads, James MacDonald,
PSAS, Vol. 29, (1894-95), 317-28
These
papers call into question the work of early historians
and antiquarians that identified many camp sites and
roads as Roman. The papers were important at the time
because of MacDonald's standing as one of the foremost
archaeologists of the day. In an overview paper (Preliminary
Remarks) he argues that much of the earlier work on
the Romans in Scotland was speculative and faulty
and gives an interesting account of how this state
of affairs developed. In the three other papers he
selects road systems in Ayrshire, Dumfriesshire and
Roxburghshire, and attempts to show that although
they might be Roman the evidence for this was very
slight. Nowadays, many of the roads he questioned
are accepted as Roman.
Note
on the Antiquity of the Wheel Causeway, Haverfield,
F, PSAS, Vol. 34 (1899-1900), 129-30
A
short paper that lists references to the Wheel Causeway
showing that it was in use in the Middle Ages.
A
New Roman Mountain Road in Dumfriesshire and Roxburghshire,
I A Richmond, PSAS, Vol 80 (1945-46), pps 104-117
It
had long been speculated that the isolated fort at Raeburnfoot
(near Eskdalemuir) was linked somehow to the Roman Road
network. Although this was thought to have been on a
north-south line, no evidence had been found for this.
A suggestion by R P Hardie (Roads of Mediaeval Lauderdale)
that an old road running across Craik Moor might be
Roman led to this route (heading for Trimontium) being
examined and accepted as Roman. The paper gives full
details of the remains of the road and is illustrated
by maps.
- see map
(for illustration only)
The
Roman Road to Raeburnfoot, A Graham, PSAS, Vol 82, (1947-48),
pps 231-234
Referring
to the above paper, the author notes work that confirms
the road continued south-west of Raeburnfoot, presumably
to join the main north-south Roman road north of Lockerbie.
He also discusses the possibility of a route down the
Esk to Langholm and Netherby (3 miles NNE of Longtown).
Roman
communications in the Tweed Valley, Graham, A & Richmond,
I A., PSAS, Vol.87, (1952-53), 63-71
An
examination of the evidence for a Roman road running
westward from Trimontium and Dere Street to link with
the Roman roads in the Clyde Valley.
Two
Roman Inscribed Stones and Architectural Fragments from
Scotland (Ingliston Milestone, Inveresk Altar), G S
Maxwell, PSAS, Vol 113, (1983), pps 379-390
The
paper contains a discussion on how the Ingliston milestone
could provide a clue to the route of Dere Street in
this locality.
The
Scottish campaigns of Septimus Severus, Nicholas Reed,
PSAS, Vol 107, (1975-76), pps 92-102
The
author looks at the available evidence to reconstruct
the Severan campaigns of 208-210. He argues for a preliminary
campaign against the Selgovae, followed by an advance
through Fife, and then campaigns up the east coast,
supported by the fleet. Two coins of the period depict
bridges and he suggests that one showing a bridge of
normal construction was built over the Tay near Carpow
( 5 miles ESE of Perth, near Newburgh), and the other,
a boat-bridge, was built at Queensferry with a road
linking the two locations.
The
Roman Road in Annandale, Johnstone, J.T.,
Transactions of the Dumfriesshire & Galloway Natural
History and Antiquarian Society, II 9 85
This
paper deals with a section of Roman road running north
from Moffat to Little Clyde, some 10 miles. The writer
notes that the road is more difficult to trace south
of Moffat because of cultivation. Details of its construction
at three separate locations are given. In view of differences
from other Roman roads it is inferred that its main
function was the rapid movement of troops rather than
carrying heavy and constant traffic.
Notes
on Roman Road through Annandale, Robertson, J., Transactions
of the Dumfriesshire & Galloway Natural History
and Antiquarian Society, III 24 10
This
paper gives a detailed account of the course of the
road through Dumfriesshire from the River Sark to March
Burn north of Moffat, noting where remains of the road
can still be seen and discussing the possible route
where traces have been lost. Details are also given
of an excavation carried out at Holehouselinn.
North
of Moffat, the old stagecoach road runs very close to
the Roman road and the author discusses the course taken
by both roads and gives an account of an excavation
of a culvert on the coach road.
Excavations
in Dumfriesshire, 1946, St Joseph, J.K., Transactions
of the Dumfriesshire & Galloway Natural History
and Antiquarian Society, III 24 150
This
paper deals with the Roman road running from Raeburnfoot
across Craik Muir, probably to Trimontium. The author
describes the remains of the road and gives details
of three recent excavations. One of a mound just feet
from the road at Craik Cross Hill did not give dating
evidence but was very likely to have been a signalling
post. Another was of the road nearby and the third was
at the fort which gave some idea of its structure. Earlier
finds suggest an occupation date in the Antonine period.
He
then discusses the route the road might have taken to
the south-west where it presumably joined the Annandale
road.
Upper
Nithsdale and Westward in Roman Times, Clarke, J., Transactions
of the Dumfriesshire & Galloway Natural History
and Antiquarian Society, III 30 111
Recent
discoveries had shown that, contrary to previously held
opinion, the Romans had had a presence in south-west
Scotland. The author lists these discoveries and discusses
the extent to which the Romans might have penetrated
further into Upper Nithsdale and to the west.
Looking
at a possible route to the west from Carronbridge he
notes a tradition that a road ran westwards up the Shinnel
Water near to Tynron, over to Dalquhair (NX6599) and
Polwhat Rig (NS6002). He examined a very old road running
via Colt Hill (NX6999) over to the south of Windy Standard
(NS6201). He suggests it might have been a patrol track
for cavalry rather than a main road which strategic
considerations suggest would have ran from Carronbridge
to Moniave and then either towards Carsphairn or Dalry
to join a north-south road from Glenlochar to the Ayrshire
coast.
He
then looks at the possibility that the Roman road extended
northward from the Carronbridge - Durisdeer area. Field
investigations resulted in a possible temporary camp
being found near Kirkconnel, and a small fort at Bankhead
Farm nearby was also found. Assuming the fortlet implies
the presence of a road, he suggests a possible course
would have been from Durisdeer up between Dalpeddar
Hill and Auchensow Hill then fairly directly past Bankhead
towards Corsincon Hill.
Roman
Roads in S-W Scotland.
(1)
At Glenlochar, Crawford, O.G.S., Transactions of the
Dumfriesshire & Galloway Natural History and Antiquarian
Society, III 31 22
The
author investigated a road leading north out of the
fort at Glenlochar (3 miles NW of Castle Douglas) and
followed faint traces for just over a mile to the south
of Carmichael. With nothing found north of here he notes
the possibility that it might have been a branch road
leading off a north-south route following an older line
of road than the A713 that could have led to the coast.
To the north it could have run to the Ayrshire coast
though he did not think the road running near Dalmellington
was of that date.
He
also investigated an old road running west from the
Old Military Road near Milton (2 miles south of A75
near Crocketford) to see if it was Roman and could have
led to Glenlochar. He describes what can be seen along
its course (Glenarm, Barr, Hermitage, Old Bridge of
Urr, Clarebrand, Crossmichael and continuing as the
Kirk Road probably to Lauriston and Gatehouse) but concludes
that although very old it was not Roman.
(2)
From Nith to Dee, Inglis, J.A., III 31 25
The
author gives an account of a search for two Roman roads
in Dumfriesshire. One may have led from Glenlochar through
Milton to Dalswinton and the author refers to the previous
paper that had traced its course west of Milton, noting
that although it had not been thought to be Roman, an
air photograph suggested that further investigation
might be justified.
East
of Milton he suggests a route to Dalswinton leading
north past Shawhead and over Dalquhairn Hill. A branch
road may have left this road near Loaninghead and run
north-east to Carzield.
see
map (for
illustration only)
(3)
The Tweedsmuir Road, Bailey, H. & Blance, B, III
31 27
A
discovery of a marble head at Hawkshaw (2 miles east
of Moffat to Edinburgh Road and 9 miles north of Moffat)
well off the line of the Roman road running north to
Crawford suggested there might be a road near Hawkshaw.
The
track from nearby Carterhope to Erickstane was examined
but although it had features common to Roman roads could
not be confirmed as such.
see
map (for
illustration only)
(4)
From Castledykes (Corbiehall) to Crawford, Radford,
C.A.R., Reid, R.C., and Truckell, A.E., III 31 30
The
authors note that the Roman road runs from Crawford
to Inveresk when it might be thought that there should
also have been a road to the important Castledykes site.
In
searching for a road they followed a short stretch out
of the south gate at Castledykes and then over Carmichael
Hill to Howgate Farm and Howgate itself noting features
suggestive of a road. South of Howgate they found remains
of a road close to the minor road leading to Roberton
where there may have been a bridge connecting with the
Inveresk road on the other side of the river.
Notes
on Roman Roads, Reid, R.C., Transactions of the Dumfriesshire
& Galloway Natural History and Antiquarian Society,
III 32 73
The
author gives examples of early charters that have references
to early, possibly Roman, roads. The first deals with
the Roman road running through Raeburnfoot which must
ultimately have led from Newstead to Galloway. A 13th
century charter refers to a royal road running from
Annandale to Roxburgh which in part at least must be
the Roman road and its course might be ascertained if
the placenames in the charter could be identified. There
is another reference (in the Liber Melros) to a royal
road running from the Dunscore area, where the monks
had lands, up towards Glencairn.
Another
example he gives is a charter of 1558 relating to Wandel
in Lanarkshire which refers to the "Merchant Way",
which would help determine its crossing point on the
Clyde.
Erickstane
Brae, Prevost, W.A.J., Transactions of the Dumfriesshire
& Galloway Natural History and Antiquarian Society,
III 37 111
The
author gives early references to the Erickstane, north
of Moffat, and then discusses the various roads in this
area and historical events associated with them. A useful
map is included.
More
Notes on Roman Roads, Reid, R.C., Transactions of the
Dumfriesshire & Galloway Natural History and Antiquarian
Society, III 37 123
This
paper details research into the course of the Roman
road running across Craik Muir both to the north-east
and to the south-east over to a fort near Langholm.
It also looks at the possibility of a Roman road running
north through Ayrshire.
In
view of the distance from Raeburnfoot to Newstead a
search was made for a fort near to Roberton, particularly
at a place called Africa. Two sites with this name were
examined but no Roman evidence was found, nor could
the course of the road be identified. The name itself
was a Galloway one and may have referred to a woman
called Affrica who lived in Nithsdale in the 1200's.
The
author then examines the evidence for, and the various
proposals that had been put forward for the likely course
of a road between Raeburnfoot and the fort at Broomholm
near Langholm.
With
regard to a continuation of the Nithsdale road into
Ayrshire (at the time traced as far as Carronbridge),
the author suggests there may have been a fort at Hurlford,
near Kilmarnock, if an east-west road from Loudoun Hill
passed through there but notes that urban development
make it unlikely that it could ever be found. He refers
to recent excavations on the potential line south of
Hurlford (see Clarke & Wilson below) and then discusses
the possibility that the mediaeval toll points for Ayr
(Mach, Karnebuth, Lowdun, Croseneton and Laichalpin)
may have been sited on Roman roads and so furnish a
clue to the course of the possible road.
The
Road into Ayrshire. - Fortlet at Bankhead, Kirkconnel
Clarke, J.- and Wilson, A., Transactions of the Dumfriesshire
& Galloway Natural History and Antiquarian Society,
III 37 136
The
Road into Ayrshire - A possible Roman Road between the
Rivers Cessnock and Ayr: Clarke, J. and Wilson, A.,
Transactions of the Dumfriesshire & Galloway Natural
History and Antiquarian Society, III 37 143
Given
that a much-decayed road had been found running past
the fortlet at Bankhead near Kirkconnel there was a
strong possibility that the road continued into Ayrshire.
The paper is an account of excavations undertaken to
see if any remains of such a road could be found.
Four
roads were found just south of the Cessnock where there
was a ford and at least one earlier bridge. One road
in particular aligned on the ford, which suggested it
had an early date. Two holloways leading to the ford
were examined and one in particular with a bed cut out
and a roadway laid with stones was suggestive of Roman
construction.
They
then looked at a point north of Mauchline to see if
any early road diverged from later roads leading in
to Mauchline. A much damaged road was found which bypassed
the town leading to a ford on the River Ayr at Kingencleugh.
A holloway associated with this ford showed signs of
being cut and laid with cobbles and a parchmark had
been reported south of the ford.
The
authors recognise that the findings are suggestive only
and that proof would only be available if a definite
Roman structure was found associated with this line.
The
Road into Ayrshire. - Roads in Upper Nithsdale and Beyond
Clarke, J. and Wilson, A.Transactions of the Dumfriesshire
& Galloway Natural History and Antiquarian Society,
III 37 151
This
paper examines the routes a possible Roman road running
past the fortlet at Bankhead Farm could have taken.
To
the south two routes would have been possible, one running
between Dalpeddar Hill and Auchensow Hill and possibly
coming from Durisdeer where there were marching camps;
the other crossing the Nith at Sanquhar and running
down its west bank to Carronbridge where there are also
Roman remains.
To
the north of the fortlet they suggest two possible routes
as far as Corsencon Hill. Given a tradition of a Roman
camp on Avisyard Hill and the strategic need for a base
in this area. they then look at two possible lines to
Avisyard Hill.
They
then examine a possible line north of Avisyard with
a ford over the Lugar at Cumnock, the fords over the
Ayr and Cessnock examined above and the straight line
of the modern road to Hurlford.
Again
they recognise the need to identify Roman structures
on this line if a road is to be proved.
Roman
Road near Moffat - Observations during gas pipeline
construction, Yates, M.J., Transactions of the Dumfriesshire
& Galloway Natural History and Antiquarian Society,
III 58 95
The
opportunity was taken during the construction of a pipeline
to examine a Roman road at Muckle Hill near Moffat.
The road was 8.5 metres wide and in cross section showed
features consistent with Roman construction.
Roman
Penetration in West Dumfries and Galloway, Allan Wilson,
Transactions of the Dumfriesshire & Galloway Natural
History and Antiquarian Society, III, 64, 7
This
is a thorough review of previous research into the Roman
presence in this area, and the author's own findings.
He
looks first at an east-west route, tracing it in sections
to the Stranraer area through the forts at Glenlochar
and Gatehouse, then at a possible route from Drumlanrig
to the south west.
The
marching camps at Girvan could imply a route to the
west and he discusses the alternatives that had been
proposed. Near to the Solway, temporary camps suggest
a link to the Annandale road and there may have been
a road from the coast up towards Drumlanrig and Durisdeer,
and then into Ayrshire.
Possible
routes along the Dee, Ken and Doon Valleys are disucssed
along with a potential route to Girvan by the Cree valley.
The paper concludes with an examination for evidence
for a route from Stranraer towards Girvan.
Roman
Penetration in E Dumfriesshire and Beyond, Allan Wilson,
Transactions of the Dumfriesshire & Galloway Natural
History and Antiquarian Society, III, 73, 17
Like
his paper on west Dumfresshire this is valuable overview
of evidence for Roman roads in the area. Evidence is
examined for roads along the main valleys such as the
Nith, Annan, Tweed, Esk, Ewes and roads that may have
linked some of these.
A
Roman Frontier Post and Its People: The Fort of Newstead
in the Parish of Melrose By James Curle
See
section on the Roman Road on pages 7-15
Annals
of the Solway Until A.D. 1307 George Neilson, 1899
This
is a detailed history of the Solway and surrounding
country from Roman times to the death of Edward I on
his last incursion into Scotland. It contains much interesting
information about the fording points as well as references
that will be found useful in reconstructing early routes.
Some images of early maps are included.
The
Roman Gask Project: Final Report on Roman Road excavations
at Parkneuk
A
Possible Roman Road Cutting at Innerpeffray Library
Perthshire. D.J.Woolliscroft, with contribution by B.Hoffmann.
A
history of the border counties: Roxburgh, Selkirk, Peebles,
Sir George Douglas, Edinburgh, Blackwood, 1899
Pages
4-6 on Roman roads and the Wheel Causeway
Roman
penetration in Strathclyde south of the Antonine Wall,
Part One: The Topographical Framework, Allan Wilson,
Glasgow Archaeological Journal Vol.19, 1994-95
Part
Two: Romanisation, Allan Wilson, Glasgow Archaeological
Journal. Volume 20, Page 1-40, 1996-97
Atlas
of Scottish History to 1707, edited by Peter G B
McNeill and Hector L MacQueen, Edinburgh: The Scottish
Medievalists and Department of Geography, University
of Edinburgh, 1996. The Atlas contains maps with explanatory
text for many aspects of Scottish history including
Roman roads. Now available on Scotlands Places website.
Field Study Group Report, AANHS Collections, 2nd Series,
Vol 3, 1955, p30-33
Clarke and Wilson, A Possible Roman Road between the
Rivers Cessnock and Ayr, AANHS Collections, 2nd Series,
Vol.5, 1959
A
Wilson, Roads in Upper Nithsdale and Beyond, AANHS Collections,
2nd Series, Vol.5, 1959
The Roman Occupation of South-Western Scotland, edited
S N Miller, Glasgow, 1952
Scotland's Roman Remains, Lawrence Keppie, John Donald
Publishers, 1986
Maxwell, G.S., ‘The Evidence from the Roman Period’
in Loads and Roads in Scotland and Beyond, ed. A.Fenton
& G.Stell, Edinburgh 1984 (John Donald), 22-48
Margary, Ivan D, Roman Roads in Britain, Vol 2, London
1957 (also 1969 and 1973)
The Romans in Perthshire, David Woolliscroft and Birgitta
Hoffman, 2005, Perth & Kinross Heritage Trust and
The Roman Gask Project
The Last Frontier: The Roman Invasions of Scotland,
Antony Kamm, Tempus Publishing 2004 and Neil Wilson
Publishing 2009
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