An 2,000-year-old Roman road, considered the most significant in Scottish history, was unearthed in a garden near Stirling. This cobbled road, constructed by General Julius Agricola's Roman armies in the 1st century AD, connected to a River Forth ford.
Ancient Roman Road Found In Stirling Garden
— Grouse Beater (@Grouse_Beater) November 2, 2023
2,000 years old, a cobbled road built by the Roman armies of general Julius Agricola in the first century on their way to the Highlands, it was used by William the Conqueror, Cromwell and probably every King and Queen of Scotland. pic.twitter.com/PKmsLTC2bP
Ancient Roman Road Discovered in Scottish Garden
Historically, prominent figures, including William the Conqueror, Oliver Cromwell, and Scottish monarchs, used this road for military campaigns due to its strategic importance for Highland access and proximity to Stirling, Scotland's former capital. The discovery occurred during an exploratory dig at the Old Inn Cottage, adjacent to the 18th-century Old Drip Bridge west of Stirling city center.
Stirling Council archaeologist Murray Cook initiated the excavation, suspecting the road's presence in Jennifer Ure's garden. This discovery, with historical figures like William Wallace and the Romans in mind, has evoked a sense of awe, shedding light on a previously ambiguous route.
The road leads southward toward Falkirk and, ultimately, England, while to the north, it offers passage over the River Tay and into the realm of the Roman Empire's edge. Experts suggest that Roman legions used this road for launching invasions into Scotland, particularly during the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD under the emperors Antonine and Severan.
Jennifer, who resides in the cottage with her family, marveled at the thought of luminaries like William the Conqueror and King Henry VIII having traversed the very ground her garden now occupies, underscoring the significance of the discovery in unveiling lesser-known historical events in the area.
The road's condition today is an eroded surface, as it was not maintained after the Romans departed. Historical records dating back to 1304 mention a ford in this vicinity, monitored during the siege of Stirling Castle by Edward I's spies, who employed the colossal War Wolf trebuchet.
Before the construction of the ford at the site, the crossing at Cambuskenneth likely served as the primary route across the Forth River, being the only location for a dry-shod passage. In the 18th century, the ford was replaced by a ferry and later a bridge, all located in the same vicinity due to logistical considerations.
A World Class Heritage
Stirling Council Leader, Cllr Chris Kane, highlighted in a news relase that next year will be the 900th anniversary of Stirling. He emphasized that the recent discovery adds another layer to this heritage, extending back to Roman times when they crossed the Forth River, contributing to the narrative of Stirling's history.
Stirling's central role in Scottish history and its global appeal as a historic destination are sources of pride for the community. The excavation was conducted as a training dig with the involvement of local volunteers and students.
As a long-time resident of Stirling, Ure said the recent discovery is indeed a significant find and said that it has unveiled lesser-known historical events in the area, enriching the local historical narrative.
She conveyed her initial unawareness of the road's potential existence until the archaeologist, Murray, approached her for the dig. The discovery excited her, particularly due to its historical significance, and brought to light the overlooked historical events that have taken place in the region.
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