THE ROMAN INFLUENCE
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Barnard Castle commands a strategic site overlooking the River Tees near a pre-existing road (Galgate) and ford established by the Romans. Barnard Castles history goes a long way further back than just the Norman Conquest (Click for info), During the Roman occupation of Britain it appears that Barney was place of some importance. The Roman occupation of the region was from approximately A.D. 79 - 410. This was an era of both turbulence and prosperity. The tight control that the Roman army kept on the area is seen in the string of military sites that adjoin the Roman roads; including such forts as Binchester and Piercebridge on Dere Street, and Catterick, Greta Bridge, Bowes and Brough on the modern A1/A66. This occupation, lasting over three centuries, together with the fusion of the invading armies with the native population brought a measure of economic prosperity shown by the growth of settlements around the forts, for example the large town that grew up at Catterick or the villa-type settlement at Piercebridge. While building an extension to the gasworks (now long demolished) workers found a road approximately 12 feet wide which extended from the west wall and appeared to follow the riverbank and head up the hill. This road is thought to be part of the roman road from Bowes to Binchester joining the other Roman road from Piercebridge to Binchester near Bildershaw. (Bowes - Lavatrae)     (Binchester - Vinovium)     (Piercebridge - Maglova) (Right - Large Roman altar to the god VINOTONUS from a shrine on Scargill Moor near Bowes - Early 3rd century AD).

Roman Ford Picnic Site Walk down from the Scar Top and you will come across the Roman Ford Picnic Site. This is part of the re-build and reclamation of the old gas works (if anyone has a photo of the gas works I would appreciate a copy, thanks) The site was commissioned by Teesdale District Council, sponsored by Glaxo Wellcome, the sculptor was Keith Alexander and the seats and carvings were carved at Dunhouse quarry of Staindrop. The carvings pay tribute to the rural nature of the town and the sculptures reflect a local phenomena called 'the roll' which was a build up of water running off the hills during very bad weather and all 'rolling' down the river in a big wave. The roll created havoc on it way and has been unfortunately responsible for a lot of deaths over the years. Luckily this problem is no more after the building of Cow Green reservoir. Mind if the reservoir ever breaks we are in for it! More Pictures