(Above) Iron Age hill fort near Fourstones, Northumberland. Courtesy English Heritage.
Prehistoric burial mounds, medieval sheep farms and 19th century lead mines are among the 2,700 previously unrecorded historic features revealed by an unprecedented survey of Hadrian’s Wall.
Based on 30,500 aerial photographs taken over the last 60 years, the English Heritage survey has mapped the entire world heritage site, placing the Roman fortification within a historic landscape that stretches all the way from the Neolithic period to the Cold War.
(Above) WWII anti-aircraft gun battery, Cleadon, Tyneside, Courtesy English Heritage.
David MacLeod, Senior Investigator for English Heritage’s Aerial Survey and Investigation team, explained: "We need to remember that Hadrian’s Wall is not an isolated monument set within a landscape devoid of any other history.
"This region saw a tremendous amount of activity both before the Romans arrived and after they left, traces and memories of which remain today. Our survey maps all those historic layers."
The Hadrian's Wall project is part of the English Heritage National Mapping Programme (NMP), which aims to map and interpret all archaeological sites visible on aerial photographs throughout England.
(Above) Medieval Manor at Ingoe, Northumberland, Courtesy English Heritage.
Old photographs can show sites that no longer exist. For example, photos reveal hundreds of World War II structures removed soon after the war, which leave no visible trace on the ground today. The English Heritage survey provides a record of such activity as well as of actual archaeological remains.
"Hadrian’s Wall Country has a wealth of stories to tell from every era of history and this survey highlights the many ways our forefathers interacted and thrived in this unique landscape," said Linda Tuttiett, Chief Executive of Hadrian’s Wall Heritage Ltd.
(Above) Medieval Village at East Matfen, Tyne & Wear, Courtesy English Heritage.
Features catalogued throughout the heritage site include an Iron Age hill fort near the village of Fourstones, Northumberland, the deserted medieval village of East Matfen, Tyne and Wear and a World War II anti-aircraft gun battery near Cleadon, Tyneside.
"The NMP will help us to understand and manage the rich heritage of human activity that has shaped this landscape, whether it is the remains of a Bronze Age farm or a 20th century gun battery," said David MacLeod. "This record provides the foundation for future researchers to build on."
Find out more on the English Heritage website.
