Roman Invasion and Occupation

Claudian invasion 43A.D. London established as base. Three columns advanced from there, probably on existing routes. One legion westward, one northward, two legions (12,000 men) northwest: slow steady progress, roads constructed behind. Pause at Jurassic Way, 47A.D, link road made - Foss Way. Lowlands pacified, Midland forests and Highlands ahead. No national resistance, tribal only, based on hillforts. High Cross established as base for advance over Cannock Chase. Castle Ring, Castle Old Fort, reduced? A.D. 48, Wrekin stronghold taken.

RYKNILD STREET (Medieval name) made as an advanced line of communication from Bourton-on-Water to Wall (Derby, Doncaster). Second-class road 25 m. wide, cambered, coarse gravel and pebbles. Route: Bidford, Forhill, Lifford, Stirchley (Street-ley) Street, Selly Park, Bournbrook Road. Edgbaston, Canal Basin, Great Hampton Row/Wheeler Street, Holford (Old Ford), Sutton Park..

Three centuries of occupation. Few Romano-British finds on Plateau, little settled, no known sites except Metchley. Roads from Glevum (Gloucester) and Salinae (Droitwich) to Metchley, Metchley to Greensforge, Alauna (Alcester) to Manduessedum (Mancetter). Other roads lost due to poor construction?

METCHLEY CAMP. Oldest man-made structure in City. Double camp, first large enough for half a legion, A.D. 46, ditch, ramparts, stockade, corner towers, 14½ acres: second later, smaller within earlier fort, made during Boudiccan revolt? Civil settlement during first century of occupation, timber buildings.

6.1. Map 5

6.2. Map 6a