Where Roman legions once marched, today sheep graze the lush green lands. Only a few sections of the once glorious Hadrian’s Wall remain. It was built over 1.800 years ago and has the northernmost border and the mighty Roman Empire. The wall was constructed under the order of Emperor Hadrian who reigned from 76 A.D to 138 A.D. When completed the wall spread over 73 miles, from Bowness-on-Solway to Wallsend. The wall had numerous major forts and mile-castles along its length.
The construction of the wall began in 121 A.D and was completed seven years later in 127 A.D. A total of 18.000 Roman soldiers and thousands of slaves worked on its construction. The wall was abandoned around the 5th century when the Roman Empire crumbled. Today what is left of Hadrian’s Wall is Britain’s largest ruins dating back to the Roman era. They are also recognized as one of northern Europe’s most impressive and important Ancient Roman sites.
The best preserved section of the wall is situated in Northumberland and stretched for a length of ten miles. The ruins are located in close proximity to Lake District, which is perhaps England’s most visited lake, and the city of Carlisle. In this area are also located some of England’s most well preserved Roman forts. The most noted forts of the area are Vindolanda, Birdoswald and Housesteads. All three forts have their own museums which are dedicated to the Roman era and give the visitors the rare opportunity to learn more about the way of life that the Roman soldiers had on the wall.
The visitors of the wall can either hike for a mile to two along the wall or decide to walk the entire length of Hadrian’s Wall Path which is one of England’s most famous and popular national trails. Another option that visitors have is to rent a bicycle and tackle the also highly popular Hadrian’s Cycleway. Regardless which approach visitors choose, at the end of the day they have a memory to remember and a story to tell to their family and friends.
Nearby the ruins of the wall are situated several modern English cities and town, including the city of Newcastle. However the closest town to the ruins is Haltwhistle. The town is home highly prominent Centre of Britain Hotel. The hotel was built during the 15th century and currently combines the classic and contemporary style. The hotel has a very welcoming and friendly staff and it beyond any doubt the ideal base for all visitors that want to explore north England and the remains of Hadrian’s Wall.
As you can see, England is home to numerous world famous landmarks. So as soon as you have moved to the country via man and van services makes sure that you visit the ruins of Hadrian’s Wall. You can easily find companies that provide man and van services in England.
Also while you are visiting the ruins, you can pass by the city of Newcastle which is another interesting place in England.