The Roman fort of Mamucium was built in 79 AD near the confluence of the River Medlock and River Irwell. It was constructed to guard strategically important roads to larger Roman forts at Chester, York, and Ribchester.
The fort was garrisoned by a cohort (480 soldiers) of auxiliaries. Auxiliaries were non-Romans, recruited from tribes that had been conquered by the Romans or allied to them. They served for 25 years, gaining Roman citizenship at the end of their service.
The fort was rebuilt by the Romans on at least three separate occasions; in 90 AD, 150 AD, and 200 AD. It was abandoned around 410 AD.
A vicus, or civilian settlement, was established outside the fort. The vicus was home to the soldiers’ families and traders that supplied services to the army. By 200 AD it is thought that the vicus was home to around 2,000 people. Archaeological excavations have uncovered evidence of buildings such as an inn, temples, shops, and a bathhouse.
The ruins of the fort stood until the Industrial Revolution. During this time, much of Mamucium was flattened for to make way for developments such as the Rochdale Canal and railway viaducts.
In the 1980s Castlefield was regenerated and became the UK’s first Urban Heritage Park. Redevelopment work included the reconstruction of the rampart (banked defensive wall), northern gateway, and the foundations of vicus buildings.
The reconstruction of the northern gateway is particularly impressive. It depicts the gateway as it was thought to have existed in 200 AD. It includes a section of original Roman stone and forms the entrance to a lawned area. In the summer months, it’s a popular spot to rest and relax.
The Roman fort is located in Castlefield, in the area between the Castlefield Bowl, the Science and Industry Museum, and the Rochdale Canal. The site is open to the public and free to visit.
The nearest train station is Deansgate.
The closest Metrolink stop is Deansgate-Castlefield. An impressive tower offers pedestrians a quick route from Castlefield to the tram stop.
Nearby Attractions
Tourist attractions and things to do near Mamucium – Roman Fort include:
- Castlefield Bowl (0.1 miles) - Outdoor events venue in the Castlefield area of Manchester.
- Manchester Science and Industry Museum (0.1 miles) - Museum exploring Manchester's industrial and scientific achievements.
- Comedy Store Manchester (0.2 miles) - Comedy club at Deansgate Locks.
- Deansgate Locks (0.2 miles) - Home to the Comedy Store and several bars and restaurants
- Great Northern (0.3 miles) - Entertainment and retail complex with cinema, casino, restaurants, and shops.
- Opera House Manchester (0.3 miles) - Theatre in Manchester hosting West End shows and musicals.
- Hacienda (0.3 miles) - Legendary nightclub owned by Factory Records (now apartments)
- Manchester Central (0.4 miles) - Manchester's major event and conference centre.
- HOME Manchester (0.4 miles) - Theatre, cinema and art gallery at First Street, Manchester.
- Bridgewater Hall (0.4 miles) - Modern, international concert venue.
Nearby Cinemas
Cinemas near Mamucium – Roman Fort include:
- Odeon Manchester Great Northern (0.3 miles) - 16-screen cinema at the Great Northern complex.
Nearby Restaurants
Restaurants and places to eat and drink near Mamucium – Roman Fort include:
- Rump N Ribs (0.1 miles)
- Sapporo Teppanyaki (0.1 miles)
- Albert's Shed (0.1 miles)
- Dukes 92 (0.1 miles)
- The Wharf (0.1 miles)
- Don Marco (0.2 miles)
- Dimitri's (0.2 miles)
- Evuna Deansgate (0.2 miles)
- Platzki (0.2 miles) - Modern Polish restaurant in the Great Northern Building. Menu changes frequently. Close to Manchester Central and the Bridgewater Hall.
- 20 Stories (0.3 miles)
- James Martin (0.3 miles)
- Bill's (0.3 miles)
- Tattu (0.3 miles)
- The Ivy Spinningfields (0.3 miles)
- Almost Famous (0.3 miles)
- Manahatta (0.3 miles) - New York inspired restaurant and bar on Deansgate. Great interior. Close to Manchester Opera House and Odeon Manchester.
- Revolucion de Cuba (0.3 miles)
- Hawksmoor (0.3 miles)
- Indian Tiffin Room (0.3 miles)
- Thaikhun (0.3 miles)
- The Alchemist (0.3 miles)
- Fazenda (0.3 miles) - Brazilian steakhouse at Spinningfields. Skewers of meat are brought to your table. Close to the John Rylands Library, Manchester Opera House, Great Northern, and the People’s History Museum.
- Albert's Schloss (0.4 miles)
- Iberica (0.4 miles)
- Gusto (0.4 miles)
- The Oast House (0.4 miles)
- Australasia (0.4 miles)
- Asha's (0.4 miles)
Nearby Hotels
Hotels near Mamucium – Roman Fort include:
- The Oxnoble (0.1 miles)
- Castlefield Hotel (0.1 miles)
- Great John Street Hotel (0.2 miles)
- The Edwardian Manchester, A Radisson Collection Hotel (0.4 miles)
- Campanile Manchester (0.4 miles)
Nearby Train Stations
Train stations near Mamucium – Roman Fort include:
- Deansgate Train Station (0.2 miles) - Train station near Manchester Central.
Nearby Metrolink Stations
Metrolink stations near Mamucium – Roman Fort include:
- Deansgate-Castlefield Metrolink Tram Stop (0.2 miles) - Interchange stop in Manchester city centre.
Map
Map showing location of Mamucium – Roman Fort.
Details
Mamucium – Roman Fort
Address
Castlefield
Manchester
Greater Manchester
United Kingdom
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