Lost Roman Bridge Found by Fisherman

An investigation into a fantastic, rare lost Roman Bridge in Shropshire.
Discovered and excavated in the 1950s, this scheduled ancient monument is now on the heritage at risk register. It's possibly one big storm away from destruction, so we thought it was a good idea to get some comprehensive footage in the can.
The mighty bridge abutments are not going anywhere, but there's some very rare Roman masonry here too. A bit of a mystery to consider about this stone abutment. Is it actually Roman, or a later Medieval rebuild?
Have a look at the evidence at Radnals or Radnor bridge and let us know what you think.
This very unusual survival is located on Watling Street Roman road as it heads south from Wroxeter - Viroconium Cornoviorum - to Bravonium.
There is also a video on the bridge by Roman History Walks:
• A lost Roman bridge
#wroxeter #romanbritain #romanroad #watlingstreet #radnalsbridge #radnorbridge #romanbridge #romanbridgeabutments #shropshire #heritageatrisk #scheduledmonument #medieval #actonburnell
If you would like to support this channel, you can buy us a “coffee” via the link in the About section.
All contributions gratefully received and ploughed back into our productions. Travel costs and equipment - that sort of thing. Occasionally, actual real coffee.
Credits (Where due)
WC21 (UK) Productions Ltd theme tune: Keygenerator - Freesound
Roman Gazette theme tune: 8-bit Win - Velda - Epidemic Sound
For Serious Rambling Hikers & Scramblers theme tune: 514178 danlucas - Freesound
Compendium of Curiosities theme tune: Underbelly - Epidemic Sound
Coastal Catalogue theme tune: Just Like Magic - Epidemic Sound
The Time Tunnel theme tune: Micro - Epidemic Sound
Schofield’s Saxon Crosses theme tune: Good, Good - Epidemic Sound
Horror History Files theme tune: Eerily Distorted Retro Electronic Sound Horror - CapCut
The Almanac theme tune: Rush - DJI Mimo
All other music: Epidemic Sound
Main “Broadcaster”: Darren Spratt
Cameras
DJI Pocket 3 Creator Combo
GoPro Hero 12 Creator Edition
DJI Pocket 2 Creator Combo
HoverAir X1

[@pwhitewick]

Extreme antiquarianism AT IT BEST. Well done Darren.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thanks Paul! Very interesting example of bridge progression there. The earth abutments seem like such a lot of work for such a small beck.

[@daveweiss5647]

I am very jealous of all the history you get to go see. Amazing!

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thank you and I do feel very lucky that I have the time and ability to visit these places. Seeing those bridge abutments was a top moment for me.

[@andrewdolinskiatcarpathian]

Hi Darren. Such dedication to the cause, returning to the scene after having been thwarted. Crossing the Thirwell viaduct is not for the faint hearted! 😳😂 How very sad that an ancient monument of such importance is in such peril. You are to be commended for highlighting its significance and drawing attention to its plight, to a wider audience. I wonder when the bridge maintenance fund ran out in medieval times? 🤔

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thank you Andrew! Yes indeed, the post Roman story is equally intriguing here. When was that section of the road superseded and was it in part down to the collapse of the bridge, and inability to fund/resource a rebuild? I obviously hope they can do something to consolidate the monument, but I struggle to see how they’ll find the money when there are so many monuments at risk in this cash-strapped age in which we live.

[@martinsnell253]

My ADHD viewing patterns are so random that the algorithms have no idea what to feed me, so this video popped up completely randomly, and I am really glad it did - I thoroughly enjoyed it! But it did make me think... I live on the North Western edge of the Black Country, close to the borders of Staffordshire and Shropshire, and have spent a lot of time between here and North Wales fishing, bird watching and dog walking, and your video reminded me of how many times I have seen random bits of masonry protruding from river banks or escarpments and always thought 'oh, old wall' without ever pausing to wonder who built them and when. Which is a bit disappointing for someone who has ADHD and is perpetually curious - I shall pay closer attention in future! Thank you for an interesting and well produced video.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thank you Martin and glad you enjoyed it. Great to hear that it has prompted a sense of curiosity about these things and I hope you enjoy spotting and thinking about what you spot on your own adventures. It’s a strange pastime, possibly, but thrilling when you stumble upon some stone or an earthwork and realise what it once was. Happy hunting! Thanks also for nice comments on the production.

[@philcollinson328]

That was highly enjoyable. Great determination going there twice to get your footage. The bridge seems (I'm no expert) a bit substantial to build just for medieval carthorses to cross a stream and more something those show off Roman types would construct. Oh, and who was that dapper young co-host making a cameo in the vlog?🤣

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thanks Phil. I was right to give up first time. Way too slippery and water way too deep. I bottle these things nowadays! I do wonder if we’re looking at a final Roman bridge - the first stone one. Young me was a bit of a shock!

[@philcollinson328]

@@WC21UKProductionsLtd Keep the 2012 vintage for when you create a join channel 🤣....I'm sure Hedley and I will pay a sub to heckle. Or I will..and pay Hedley's sub for him, still haven't recovered from his Bright eyes sad face.

[@philcollinson328]

I'd have thought discretion is the better part of valour and retreated too....At 56 we don't bounce ...more shatter if we fall 🤣

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

@@philcollinson328 I’d have been screwed if I’d slid down that bank!

[@janecapon2337]

It makes sense that the medieval folk would have used an existing Roman foundation to rebuild their own bridge.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Yes indeed. And use all that high quality stone. Plus move to the side if the earth abutments had become unstable. A really intriguing one. Cheers

[@stuartbridger5177]

Very interesting and great production. Loved the half man half biscuit reference.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thank you! Always slip in a HMHB reference when I can!

[@TheSonsofFalstaff]

I lived in Shropshire for many years and had no idea that was there. I must have driven past it hundreds of times. Thanks for that. Happy fiftieth.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thank you! I wish I was 50 again! Yes, it’s a little known, but rather wonderful relic. Recommend a visit if you ever go back. Cheers

[@tweedyoutdoors]

Congratulations Action Antiquarian Man on the 50th episode, and one which if I'm not mistaken seems to be "blowing up" somewhat! It also appears the channel is on the cusp of 5k subscribers - several important milestones there! I loved the car graphics, particularly how it breezily skipped over what must have been a huge source of frustration, having to do that long round trip not just once but twice! Another highlight for me was the story of the walking stick, and it looked eminently sensible when fording that beck. For a while I had one of those unsightly looking modern hiking poles which I similarly found very reassuring when crossing streams etc, it's surprising the additional stability it gives on uneven ground (plus of course the ability to use it to test the depth of murky waters). Mine eventually snapped in windy conditions when I was attempting to use it to support a tarp atop the Seven Sisters. I really should get myself a more fitting stick to accompany a tweed suit! This was "classic WC21" in that it was a very evocative site I'm fairly sure the vast majority of your viewers would never have seen or heard of. My eyes are alas untrained to distinguish between stonework of the Roman era vs the medieval period, so I can't personally offer much of an opinion here. However if there happened to also be any fragments of a bar counter or a bar back fitting in that vicinity which you were struggling to pin down to the Victorian or interwar period I could probably provide some pointers!

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thank you Tweedy! I do sense a degree of “blowing up” going on. I was struggling yesterday to deal with 700 comments whilst also spending time with family! That stick came into its own. Whilst the water had dropped by the time of my second visit, I think I would have fallen in that water without it. There was so much masonry in the water, plus treacherous concealed depths. But also the sheer, slippery nature of the slopes. It was lethal! This has taught me to have an antiquarian survival kit in the car - just in case. It’s such an intriguing site. Dangling clues as to how it developed over centuries. I would love to know if the stone abutment is based on a late Roman iteration. With nearby Viroconium having limped on during the 5th century, it’s tempting to see it as a sub-Roman job. Trying to keep things Roman, but without any money or central administration. Any frustration about the return trip disappeared when I made the car graphic. Oh how I chuckled and saw the funny side!

[@liberty_and_justice67]

This was really interesting! Great footage, narrative, and research, as usual. Question, for which I do not expect an answer, but how can you tell Roman from Medieval crafted stone? Oh, have seen you do far more dangerous walks😂

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thank you. It’s probably because I’ve spent far too long looking at far too many Roman stones! They scream out at me. There is a precision and scale with Roman that you don’t see with Medieval. Possibly also, something about the aging. I often think Roman block work looks 1,800 odd years old!

[@drinksafewater]

(L) of a journey (Roman Numeral 50). Here is a classic example of Great British tenacity, accomplished with aplomb and X2 sets of walking boots - Many congratulations also to the camera operator / Director. 5********

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thank you very much. It was my stupid mistake not taking boots the first time - it hadn’t stopped raining for weeks!

[@brynmorjenkins4376]

Totally amazed that in two millennium the stream holds it original course and the abutments foundations are not further undercut or eroded

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Hi Bryn, I know I was astonished by that too. Elsewhere, I’ve seen river movement take out forts, whilst here, the beck seems to have stayed put!

[@paulwood7798]

Best vid you've made young Darren. Interesting and thought provoking. I remember years ago when I looked at it I pondered like your good self. There is certainly more going on than the official narrative and it definitely needs a better in depth analysis. Can we have more vids like this please.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thank you Paul - that’s great feedback. I do wonder if we’re looking at a rebuild in the 5th century. We know that some form of Romano British life carried on at Viroconium into that century. It is a fascinating site which is teasing us with its progression and development through the Roman period.

[@rodfleck]

Thank you for your detailed presentation on this remarkable feature in the landscape. Really enjoy watching your videos and they help this US based history lover get a greater sense of the various impacts the Roman Empire had on Britain. Great job!

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thanks Rob - that’s great. It’s very satisfying to have viewers in the US and I’m delighted you enjoy the insights into our complex history here. Thank you very much for watching and commenting.

[@AdamMorganIbbotson]

Another fantastic video, as always! I had no idea 'home' was somewhere near Carnforth. Up the hill at Yealand Conyers, there’s a massive, supposed stone circle (never confirmed, but tempting). I also like loitering around the churches there for Anglo-Saxon bits. Antiquarian’s haven!

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thank you very much, Adam - appreciate your support as always. I live in the westernmost corner of North Yorkshire, close to where Lancashire, Cumbria and North Yorkshire meet - perfect for an antiquarian! I think I’ve read something, somewhere about Yealand Conyers. I will have to investigate that. Looking forward to watching your new video as soon as I’ve caught up on all the comments here. Might be tomorrow!

[@AdamMorganIbbotson]

@@WC21UKProductionsLtd Inching dangerously closer to a 'colab' (as KZbinrs say)...

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

@ Adam - that would be great. I think we have important work to do in redressing the north/south divide - in terms of KZbin antiquarianism! Drop me an email anytime!

[@chrish5319]

Congratulations on your 50th! I think, based solely on your excellent video, that it is likely substantially Roman, with subsequent repairs. The question for me, given the substantial resources expended by whoever built the embankment and/or bridges to cross a relatively small beck, is what was at the other end of this road or, cui bono. Thank you for another thought-provoking video.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thanks Chris. I agree, the size and scale of the second iteration - those huge abutments - does seem like overkill for such a small beck. I wonder if the first, lower level version, was impacted during periods of very high rainfall? It was quite an important route, effectively linking the Monmouth area with Viroconium. A fascinating site teasing us with its development over the centuries!

[@chrisbentleywalkingandrambling]

I love your dedication to the channel Darren. Another great episode. Where do you get these random places from? Is there an Ant Aquarium Bible you refer to? Congratulations on number 50.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thanks Chris - really appreciate your support. As to how I find the sites, it’s a real mixture of sources. I first became aware of this one ages ago when I read Margary’s Roman Roads. That’s the sort of bible for Roman roads. Written in the 50s and revised in the late 60s, it nonetheless remains a go-to resource that has not been superseded, despite many new discoveries. I was then reminded of it when I was looking at the whole Watling Street thing and I suddenly became inspired to go and have a look. I’m glad I did. It’s a site that teases us with clues about how that crossing changed over the centuries before falling out of use and becoming forgotten!

[@herdyhely3496]

It’s great to see you filming in my home county, I hope you do more at some point. Shropshire always seems a bit forgotten

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thank you and my pleasure. I love Shropshire and think it’s a very special corner of England. I will return!

[@michaelpeacock6360]

Great video Darren, your research must be so time consuming, this Vlog was jam packed with info, detail, maps and humour....super stuff...look forward to your next one. All best

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thank you Michael - appreciate that hugely. Glad you enjoyed it. Cheers

[@WildwoodTV]

Ahha, so that's why you'm down 'ere in the Shire. I think the Roman road continues from Wroxeter over the Severn down to Church Stretton and beyond. Well done for finding it and navigating round there - amazing to think they constructed such a huge bridge over a little brook (but as you found out we have lots of rain!) Great stuff, I look forward to your visit to the Wrekin & Wroxeter 👍👍

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thank you! Yes, I was totally thrown by the level of construction for such a small beck, but I think the fact that was a second iteration suggests you’re probably right and they were encountering issues with the lower level crossing during times of high rainfall? I did do a video at Wroxeter early doors - it’s called Post Roman City and a van driver shouted “gay” at me whilst I was there!! I will definitely do something on the Wrekin and I have a few other ideas for that area too. I did quite a lot of hiking there about 10/12 years ago and I think it’s a very special corner of England.

[@thomasm9384]

It's not driving sideways, man. You were drifting! Excellent driving, indeed!!

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

😂 and ploughing straight through the Forest of Bowland I noted!

[@bobbilynnsmith5146]

Ex-streamly good video! Thanks for braving that hillside for us. XO

[@steadynumber1]

@@bobbilynnsmith5146 😂👍

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Very good! That made me “lol”!

[@leejames1792]

Right, that's it, I'm subscribing, mix of history with a side of humour, keep it coming.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Hi Lee, that’s great and welcome!

[@steadynumber1]

I did think that your hat gave you a look of a soldier in the "Forgotten Army." Fairly appropriate for what was, for a long time, a forgotten bridge. Stalwart work. An interesting insight. Thank you.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thank you. Glad you found it interesting - I really enjoyed visiting it - despite the hazards!

[@Jonathan-d8d7i]

It's as if Mark E Smith lost his accent, found the wardrobe of Somerst Maugham and chanelled the spirit of Tony Robinson. Nicely done!

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Hi Jonathan, I love that and you’ve made my day! Thank you and glad you enjoyed the video.

[@Jonathan-d8d7i]

@@WC21UKProductionsLtd My pleasure!

[@peterlamont1533]

Great! Enjoyed that. Thanks for showing us.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thank you Peter. It’s my pleasure - a really revealing site.

[@jacquelinetaylor8683]

And there was I thinking you dressed like that because you are eccentric. You learn something every day. Great video by the way.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

I think it was Doctor Who that made me like this! Never wanted to be the same as everyone else from a young age.

[@brynmorjenkins4376]

Darren, One possible explanation may be during the bridge abutment life time it has been altered purely for structural engineering reasons hence the plethora of masonry substrates. The Victorians were great engineers too ! The bank you showed us was huge. That was quite an effort to get to the top by the way.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thanks Bryn - yes I do wonder if the stone abutment started as Roman and was then subject to some dodgy rebuilds during the sub-Roman period. The interesting thing is that Viroconium is one of those Roman towns where we know some kind of Romano British life limped on into the 5th century. The map was early 1800s, so by then the bridge was where the current one is. I would love to know when that section of road fell out of primary use! Probably pre-Doomsday, I reckon. But that still means they needed to cross the beck at our location for hundreds of years after the end of Roman Britain.

[@brynmorjenkins4376]

My take is, the stones in part ,you showed on your video was Roman in origin. I am afraid without documentary evidence it will be hard to establish any displacement from the original site. Really great video!

[@martinwarner1178]

Like your style, great presentation, clothes are not that bad. Thank you Sir. Peace and goodwill

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Many thanks on 3 counts there, Martin. Appreciate your feedback and encouragement. Cheers.

[@gilesbinyon]

Thoroughly enjoyable thank you 👍👍

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thank you very much. Glad you enjoyed it - fun to make, despite the need to return!

[@MajorTomm-mt8vg]

Ah! The march of time. Good stuff. Thank you.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Yes indeed - it waits for no man!

[@1972tommyc]

Brilliant presentation once again and congratulations on L (50) episodes. I wonder, do you ever consider renaming the RG as the “Roman Tribune” as seems more fitting than that rather Froggy word “gazette”?

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thank you and that’s a very reasonable suggestion! I may use your idea for some specials. When I started, I liked the sort of self important idea that I was compiling important inventories in video form. Thus gazette, appendices, compendium and catalogue. Tribune is a very appealing addition. Cheers!

[@1972tommyc]

@ I saw this week a BBC article online regarding the reemergence of tweed fabric as a fashion trend. I was very disappointed not to have seen you pictured or even mentioned. Just goes to show the sorry state of journalism these days. Cheers to you too!

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

@ yes I’m sort of aware of that, but between you and me, the new fashionable tweeds are not very nice. They seem to love having a very light and modern purple in it! And silly affectations with button holes. Still, if it helps keep the mills in business, that’s good!

[@britishlongbarrows]

Excellent site visit and interpretation - ta!😀

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thank you and glad you enjoyed it. Cheers!

[@davidstrong-l7m]

Abstract There are over two thousand legionary stamped tiles incorporating some two hundred different dies now admirably collated and listed in Roman Inscriptions of Britain. Dates have been tentatively suggested for a minority of these dies, but some of these are inconsistent with the other evidence. Inter alia, by using dating derived from the different forms of tegulae on which these stamps have been impressed, revised dating is proposed. Linking these dates with the distribution of the stamped tiles sheds new light on legionary practices and movements, particularly on Hadrian’s Wall and in post-Antonine Scotland, as well as the relationship between the legions and the auxiliary units. The multiplicity of different dies could be explained by each cohort having its own stamp and stamping every one of the tiles they produced, a practice that all the British legions seem to have followed. The discovery of legio XX stamped tiles referring to Viducius at a rural tile-works in Merseyside confirms him as a legionary contractor; close examination of tile sizes shows that contractors appear to have played a significant part in the production for at least two of the legions.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thanks David, I wasn’t aware of this and it’s fascinating. A potential video in that too. Cheers.

[@davidstrong-l7m]

@ interesting silhouettes on LiDAR maps. Give it a go on the bridge too

[@davidosborne3440]

First of your videos I've watched. Really enjoyed it

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thanks David! Glad you liked it and thank you for watching.

[@robgrabowski2572]

I definitely approve of the change away from black suits and bowler hats, to your current attire, you made the right decision there! Its not completely improbable that the Romans built a series of bridges over the 400 year time span. If the enormous embankment carried a wooden bridge, it's possible that a newer stone bridge was built to the side while the wooden one was till in operation, in order to keep the road open. Or perhaps there was some damage to the original embankment that the builders didn't think worth repairing. If the bridge is a medieval replacement, it seems perfectly logical that later builders would use pre-existing foundations to build on, which does suggest that the Romans/Britons had a reason to move the bridge themselves.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thanks Rob! That was a green checked tweed suit in the old clip - it’s just the awful Samsung phone footage! Yes, I’m leaning towards a Roman era bypass of bridge 2. I wonder if there was some subsidence. But it might just be a move from timber to stone, as you suggest. Really interesting site.

[@rayhallett]

Along with reminding me very much of myself in the sense of your need to poke around with a purpose, I enjoyed the occasional chuckle also. Keep it up!!!

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thanks Ray! Glad you enjoyed it and I really like that description: “poke around with a purpose”!

[@lauramumma2360]

Very cool expedition to see the old Roman bridge.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

@@lauramumma2360 thanks Laura - glad you enjoyed it! Cheers

[@gazzertrn]

You just don't know what's below your feet , fascinating really . Great Vid👍

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thank you. That’s what inspires me, I think. The wonder of discovering history in forgotten corners!

[@Agentsmith2684]

Most enjoyable watch sir, I look forward to viewing your back catalogue on KZbin👍

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thank you Agent Smith and welcome!

[@edwards9557]

Now that was an impressive bit of antiquarianism , excellent research and reportage. Certainly given me a target to walk to next time I am in Shropshire (I whisper that I am a Londoner who lives in London!)Looking forward to the 100th. Where can I see the rest of the 11 year younger WC21? Cheers

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thank you very much and I’m delighted you enjoyed it. I hope you get to see it - it’s a site that is teasing us with clues as to how it developed over the centuries of the Roman period. There weren’t many videos from my stuttering 2013 first attempt and they were terrible! Directionless and filmed on an awful Samsung phone. Thus they are delisted, but I am going to do some commentaries on a few of them at some stage and publish them via the Facebook page. I say they’re terrible, they’re interesting to me in that there are elements which are still there. The basic idea was there - just badly realised! Cheers

[@limjamrace]

First visit and impressed of such a history lesson.Thank you.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Hi, thank you so much. I’m really glad you enjoyed it. Cheers.

[@jerrygale1994]

Very enjoyable. So much history around us here in the uk, much of which has fascinating stories to be discerned and shared. Thank you for creating and sharing

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thanks Jerry. Yes, we’re surrounded by our past. And the questions they raise are always intriguing. Cheers

[@andrewlamb8055]

Terrific Darren … loved every minute of it 👍😎⚔️⚔️ 👏 My guess would also be Roman bridge built on in the Medieval time .. 🤔

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thanks Andrew! Yes, lots of clues as to what happened over centuries at that crossing, but as ever, difficult to work out the end bit. Fun, though!

[@racerk99]

Well done. Good voice.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thank you - glad you liked it. Cheers.

[@TalesFromTheBlahSide]

if that had been me at 14:38 the sound of my knees cracking would have knocked the camera off the tripod.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

I may have had to edit the sound on that bit…! You’re not alone.

[@dianespears6057]

Very interesting. Thank you.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thank you - glad you enjoyed it!

[@vsvnrg3263]

the stonework higher up wasnt laid with the same attention to detail. time or repairs can account for that as well as a later addition. that the bridge was built so high above the stream is an indication of bulletproofing for flooding. that makes me think it was roman. i assume it was going to be wide enough for one horse-drawn cart. i also assume it would have had a brick arch not a timber deck. well worth a video.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Cheers. Interesting bridge progression there. I wonder if the huge earth abutments were topped off by a timber bridge, as opposed to stone? Maybe the stone abutment does relate to a later Roman iteration. Cheers.

[@vsvnrg3263]

@@WC21UKProductionsLtd , someone put stone there. i imagine an all wooden bridge would be first, if there was one. then a more substantial stone bridge. i know they built all-stone bridges. i dont know if they ever built stone abutments with a timber deck. did they? these romans dont muck around with second rate structures.

[@Self_Aware_Since_Aug_29]

Love your video. I watch another yt channel called West County Clegg. He is really handy to using maps, LiDAR, technology. I would give him a poke to see if he could help with this and future endevors.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thank you and for the suggestion. I think this chap has been mentioned before - I must check him out!

[@69waveydavey]

Didn't know you were a "Northerner" or you at least live in my neck of the woods. You know about the Roman Milestone at Garstang? I nearly break my neck looking for it every time I pass, my Mrs thinks I am not all there, not just as I drive down the A6 but in general.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Yes indeed - I live where North Yorkshire, Lancashire and Cumbria meet. Rural Kent by birth and thus the accent! I love the Garstang milestone. I did an early video on it (it’s not very good, I was finding my feet) - it’s called A Roman Turnpike Mystery if you want to take a look. Cheers.

[@raedwulf61]

Great video. Wonderful bridge abutment!

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thank you! Yes, it’s fabulous isn’t it? Lots of clues there as to what happened over time, but as ever, difficult to interpret with 100% confidence.

[@brittac.fleck-zink2863]

Those Lidar footage is amazing!

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Cheers! The abutment shows so well in the LiDAR doesn’t it? Useful to give an idea of the scale as I think the trees mask it a bit on the ground.

[@davie941]

nice one yet again Darren , well done and thank you 😊

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Cheers Davie! Great site - really enjoyed visiting it!

[@davidberlanny3308]

Hi Darren, Firstly enhorabuena (congratulations) on your 50th gazette. Thanks also for explaining the context of your interest in Roman Britain. I don't have an interest in Emperors (or Kings and Queens) but I do marvel at what this period has left behind and wonder just how do they do all this. This is another great example. Following on from your previous abutment investigations there is a flaw in all previous ant antiquarian's investigations and maybe you've kept it a secret. But where was the phalli? If the truth be known on your first visit you took your boot off and delved down to the foundations and discovered something. Maybe all will be revealed on the 100th edition. I think it's a magnificent structure that is lucky to have survived. Short of diverting the river it's always going to be at risk. Hopefully it will be well documented, these days it is possible to do very detailed 3D scanning, only the other day I saw this done on Colin Furze's secret tunnels and garage. Thanks for braving the steep river sides it's a coincidence but I was doing precisely that yesterday afternoon to get a close up of a very old bridge from the river bed. Practically dry so no need for wellies. The bridge wasn't Roman but still impressive to see from down below. Whilst I think there is demand for the Action Antiqurariun Man, the thought of the M1 chock a block with giant MR WC21's poking out of people's is surreal. There's only one thing for it, your going to have to set up a merch store!! Another classic outro, literally this time too!! All the best!!

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

I bet there was a phallus somewhere! Unless it ended up in some private collection of phalli. There’s a good quantity of Roman stone there. I do wonder if there was a subsidence issue. It was treacherous on that first attempt. The sides were so slippery and the water so deep. I’d have needed ropes! Retreat and try another day was the right choice. It was still a bit dicey, nonetheless. Can’t believe I’ve done 50 of these, nor can I believe I’m still screwing up the endings!

[@davidberlanny3308]

@WC21UKProductionsLtd Haha, don't ever change the endings they are your USP!! ......still, shame there was no tractor ... Just been strolling in the city and passed by an archaeological dig it's been there some time but shielded off, today the fence covering has gone and you could see it more clearly. Something to investigate, that is when my mind is not consumed by thinking what the collective name for people who collect phalli might be!!

[@greenr369]

Fantastic video. Thank you

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thank you - glad you enjoyed it!

[@CarolWoosey-ck2rg]

Good one Darren - appreciate the risks you took just for us! As to the bridge, would there have been masons marks from the mediaeval repairs ? Just a random thought, probably think I'm daft! Glad you changed your headgear choice from 2013! 😄

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thanks Carol. Yes that hat was a new variant by my favourite hatters. A sort of cross between a trilby and a homburg. They’ve never repeated the experiment since! Good point about a builder’s mark. No sign of anything like that, although what’s left is only a fraction of the original structure. I’m really confused by this one and can’t decide!

[@CarolWoosey-ck2rg]

​@@WC21UKProductionsLtdyou and me both mate!

[@CarolWoosey-ck2rg]

​@@WC21UKProductionsLtdyou and me both young man! 😄

[@davidstrong-l7m]

You’d like it if you looked into Roman brickworks at Tarboc… Tarbock, Merseyside. I’m a Talking Heads man myself..😁👌

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thanks David - appreciate the suggestion and that’s not something I’ve covered yet. I’ll pop it on the list!

[@davidcollishaw2771]

can we have the amazon link for the action figure - is it part of a set? and the stick - I think you asked for a shepherds crook and grew out of it

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

That made me “lol”! I, of course, would love to see an action figure of me! I suspect they’d end up going for recycling as unsold, though! Who knows, though. This time next year, perhaps?!

[@davidrowley-ic6dx]

That’s one serious earthworks for a relatively modest brook. If they wanted a dry crossing, I would have expected the Romans to have culverted the stream with a couple of arched tunnels and created a lesser earthwork over the top to provide the continuity of roadway. If the remaining earthworks are actually Roman, the abutments would, presumably, have only been sufficient for a timber bridge structure … the remaining stonework doesn’t look beefy enough (to me) to support a masonry bridge. Perhaps this is, indeed, why the structure was rebuilt in medieval times … I would expect a Roman masonry bridge to remain usable (unless deliberately destroyed during the post Roman period .. wild times for Shropshire and the neighbouring Welsh marches) … whilst a timber structure would naturally decay over time and require replacement every couple of centuries (if not sooner). An interesting thing to ponder …. Good looking pair of wellies … they’ve withstood the rigours of all that heavy gardening really well 😉

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Hi David, the scale of the abutments is indeed perplexing, relative to the beck. And yet, the first iteration crossed lower down and then a decision was made to raise it? I can only assume there were issues at time of high rainfall. I think the deck probably was timber, with that stonework kerb to the embankment. Maybe the large blocks in the stone abutment came from the abutments rather than the previous bridge. A tantalising site. Clues as to its development over time, but lots of questions. I nearly included a shot of my garden, but ultimately shame stopped me!

[@chrisball3778]

You should definitely film the Wrekin hillfort some day- it's a pretty good one and the view from up there is amazing. The Iron Age guys that built it must have felt like masters of the world... until the Romans turned up. I can't really say anything helpful about the bridge other than that it does look quite like a ruined Roman bridge I saw on holiday in Portugal.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Cheers. Yes, the Wrekin is on my list. They must have felt invincible up there. I really liked the view of it down the end of that Roman road. Makes me wonder if they used it for sighting during the construction.

[@PaIaeoCIive1684]

Some adventurous welly-wearing 'in a stream ant-aquariumism' there. From the brief look at the masonry there does appear to be Roman stonework there (no characteristic tile courses though) but it's mostly uncemented, so it could well be a mediaeval rebuild using the abundant Roman stone. A couple of detectorists locating dateable Roman coins or other metalwork under the abutment stonework would be handy in working out if the lower courses are Roman or later. I bet quite a few detectorists have been busy at that river crossing already, so I wonder what they've found in the stream? Interesting site visit.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thank you and glad you found it interesting - I really enjoyed looking into it. Lots of clues as to how that crossing changed over the centuries. I share your reservations about the quality of the build - it didn’t have the precision that I’ve seen at other Roman bridges. Possibly a sub-Roman job.

[@diannacatesdunn]

A question might be, can all the ancient monuments in Britain be saved?

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Indeed. I came away from this one thinking, how will they ever find funding for this, when there are significant monuments and historic buildings in desperate peril?

[@andymcgeechan8318]

Reused Roman masonry for the same duty - a bridge over troubled water.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

A few weeks ago I may have sung that, but I’ve learnt my lesson on that front! It’s a fascinating site with tantalising clues as to how it developed over the centuries.

[@juliancooke1801]

Fantastic video again. I’m interested in Roman history in the UK and have recently taken up detecting. I use lidar on my permissions to hopefully uncover what the eye would normally not see. It helps with gauging if a site has been occupied in the past. But also the finds give you an idea of who those occupants were. I wonder if the archeological unit did get some cash together to research the site further they could possibly detect the stream for coins or other votive offerings. As I understand water was sacred to the romans and there maybe a whole host of finds waiting in that beck and would go along way maybe dating the bridge

[@DadgeCity]

At some point the original bridge failed. Whether that was because of lack of upkeep or because of a deluge, it's more likely to have been after the Roman era than during, so the side bridge was probably built by locals. But that's based on the balance of probabilities, not on the archaeology.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

It’s interesting - a real split in the views on this. The main problem I have with it being Roman is that it lacks the precision I’ve seen on others. Namely, no consistent run of blocks. Cheers.

[@JimBagby74]

I was going to suggest that the beck had carved itself deeper into it's little notch, giving a sense of false proportions to the abutments. But the LIDAR image put pay to that notion. It's indeed a whopper. An Ozymandias of Infrastructure. Only more functional and far less arrogant. I'm going to agree with the Medieval Packhorse theory. Yes, the stones are great, but it's far too varied and inconsistent in it's coursing. I am, mind you, not an expert. My non-credentials are well non-established. So I am happy to trod the middle path of "a little of this, a little of that". I can't imagine there not being repairs and reinforcement over the ages.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Hi Jim, the scale of the earth abutments seem out of all proportion to the beck don’t they? There must have been problems with the first iteration to take it so high. I concur with your thoughts about the stone abutment. Whilst I’m looking at big Roman blocks, there’s not the order and precision I’ve seen elsewhere. I do wonder though, is it a rebuild of a third Roman iteration? Totally fanciful, but we know they struggled on in Viroconium during the 5th century - perhaps we’re looking at a sub-Roman job from then?

[@jbos5107]

If I was going to buy an action figure,it would be yours! I do own a couple of action figures that I received as gifts. My favorite being a crazy cat lady.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

That’s a very nice comment to read! Who knows, if things go well next year, I might be able to launch a range with gripping hands, eagle eyes - the lot! Cheers.

[@eamonnclabby7067]

Another hidden gem unearthed...thanks for sharing this with us all...virtual cuppa, Taylor's Yorkshire tea en route....slainte....E....

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thanks Eamonn - yes, a real forgotten gem this one. It’s a site that sort of teases with its clues as to what happened there over the Roman centuries and beyond.

[@LeslieGilpinRailways]

That view along the green lane towards the Wrekin - was that hill used as a marker the road builder followed?

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Hi Leslie, that’s an interesting observation. It certainly lined up, didn’t it? I’ll have to get the map out and draw some lines.

[@martinfrancis3285]

Thank you. Who doesnt love a hatching. indeed, Samuel Johnston was misquoted because he actually siad, so im led to believe "when a man is tired of hatching he is tired of life" and who are we to argue

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

I second that! I see a hatching and I’m there!

[@antin.w.o]

BEST VIDIO ON THISTUBE

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Wow - thank you! Appreciate it very much.

[@antin.w.o]

Heck yes

[@jointgib]

you never see a shopkeeper in a fez these days, days are gone

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Another sad loss for us - I agree!

[@danielferguson3784]

Watling Street only really applies to the road between London & St Alban's, that was Verulamium, which is where the term 'Watling Street' is derived from. The name has been applied to many stretches of Roman road, almost any at one time, most totally wrongly, & almost became generic for almost every known, or even suspected, stretch of Roman Road. Beyond Verulamium the road ought to be designated for the next or ultimate destination of the route, whether that was Viroconium or somewhere else. We don't know the original name of any Roman road in Britain, but expect these to have been designated according to their destination, or named from an Emperor or other important figure that had the route built, or improved or restored at some time. Even within the Roman period bridges had occasionally to be replaced or rebuilt, sometimes on a slightly different line, causing an adjustment in the road layout.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Hi Daniel, yes I have considered making a video about the ludicrous use of “Watling Street” all over the place. I’ve even encountered it on an old picture of Dere Street, 10 miles north of the wall. I would love to be the person who discovers a Roman name for a British road, by the way!

[@K1110.]

Nice trip.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it. Cheers

[@hainanbob6144]

Darren, we already know why you look like you do, you're an English gentleman! Great video, as always. PS Should we ask the Romans to secompense us for those four hundred years?

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thank you! I’m sure it won’t be long before that campaign begins!

[@Lemma01]

Splendid stuff. Was the beck formerly of Amazonian proportions? Else, seems curiously over-engineered: regardless of who/when built, I'm wondering "why?" But yes, Roman later built-up to extract quarry stone for the castle. 🎉

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

I thought that. Seems like a lot of work for such a small beck!

[@Francis1taylor]

Very enjoyable. Happy fiftieth. Where do you buy your attire?

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thank you! Nowadays I use Charles Campbell Tailoring from Ribchester for bespoke, Spencer’s Trousers for plus fours and most hats are from Bates!

[@ducthman4737]

Seems like an important bridge. Where would the maintenance crew have been living. Is there a Roman fort near by?

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Hi, yes the scale of it is intriguing, isn’t it? The beck is not that big, but having seen it in spate on my first attempt, I do wonder if the initial crossing was impacted during high rainfall, leading to that raising of the crossing level? There was a fort just south of Bravonium - modern day Leintwardine - I would guess they were responsible for maintenance here.

[@akaDorM]

The question about any mediaeval repairs or rebuilding is who would have done it and when. We can see why the romans wanted it and know they had the resources to do it, but I can't think of anything similar in the mediaeval period. And it was clearly intended for long-term use not a one off short-term imperative.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Hi, good point. The high earth abutments were clearly Roman. The lower stone one is a mystery. A point to consider is that Viroconium is one of those Roman towns where we know that some form of Romano British life limped on into the 5th century. I do wonder if the stone bridge is a rebuild dating to that period.

[@akaDorM]

@@WC21UKProductionsLtd Personally, I'd consider that Romano-British period to be tail-end Roman rather than mediaeval. But I would see it as a candidate for the rebuilding - though, as I understand it, most of the late Romano-British building in Viroconium was in wood rather than stone. I think the 'mediaeval' postulated by the experts was a bit of a cop out. We have sufficient records for the post-Norman period to produce a list of potential candidates (if any) rather than a vague 'mediaeval'; I'd guess that anyone expert on the local area in that period could give a list off the top of their head.

[@pheofook]

Now there is a man who knows how to shape his own fedora crowns

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thank you very much!

[@baz-wc4fi]

Maybe not a stone bridge just either end??

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Cheers. That’s a good point. I am leaning towards the bridge on the high abutment being timber. Possibly that rotted eventually and that led to the stone one. I also wonder if that was a sub-Roman rebuild. No money, but there was still activity in Viroconium. A tantalising site that taunts us with clues!

[@paulosullivan3472]

I would be interested to know if you think this is possible. Could it be there was a roman bridge with a smaller aqueduct running next to it, and as the bridge fell into disrepair in medieval times it was easier for them to re-purpose the aqueduct as a bridge and they therefore used the foundations of the aqueduct and added stonework o top?

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

That is an amazing idea. Yesterday, one of our subscribers posted an enhanced LiDAR image on our Facebook page. It shows a strange, circular structure on the western side - just up in the field. Now you’ve suggested an aqueduct, I’m wondering if that could be a retention pool. Thank you Paul - it is so gratifying to get this level of interaction.

[@duckweedy]

Is there any Roman structure that is similar elsewhere for comparison?

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Good point. I would say it was rougher than others I’ve seen where there’s a constant run of large blocks. Suggesting Medieval rebuild using Roman stone. Take a look at the remains in Stranded Roman Bridge as a comparison. Much cleaner, I would say. Cheers

[@ducthman4737]

In nearby Ironbridge they have a very nice iron bridge.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

They do indeed! An incredible construction and beautiful too.

[@philcollinson328]

Thanks

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thank you so much Phil.

[@alastairgodfrey9356]

Is the stone bridge not a later replacement constructed alongside / to replace an earlier failing roman timber bridge on the original line of the road? Constructing a new bridge parallel to the old would allow the road to remain open, the old bridge could then be abandoned/removed….

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Hi, yes I think that’s what has happened. The question is when. Namely, was that stone replacement constructed during the Roman period, or later? There are proponents for both scenarios. I couldn’t decide for sure, although I do think the stone abutment lacks the precision I’ve seen in other Roman bridges. A really intriguing site.

[@alastairgodfrey9356]

@@WC21UKProductionsLtd good question, the abutment a probably bit of a woodman’s axe ( or triggers broom in modern parlance!) ! We as a nation are very good at “up cycling & reusing ” historic building materials! An interesting site i was unaware of, must look more closely at the line of the Foss Way near where i live in S Somerset which alternates from A Roads to lanes to footpaths…. !!!

[@duncanny5848]

At 13:39 You said "If this isn't Ex-Stream antiquarianism, I don't know what is." To be fair, that would be true only when you had left the stream, thus becoming Ex-Stream? Sorry, couldn't help making that comment!! Great to see all this history though. keep it up!

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thanks @duncanny5848 you got a “lol” out of me there and you are of course right! Glad you enjoyed it. Cheers!

[@tristanmills4948]

It could easily be a later roman or sub-roman bridge. That tumultuous prriod could easily have led to lack of maintenance on the original and a newer smaller bridge being built reusing stone to more suitably serve the locals. That would be my layman's theory anyway.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Cheers. I am leaning towards a possible sub-Roman rebuild. We know that Viroconium limped on during the 5th Century. I do wonder if those earth abutments started to suffer from slippage.

[@goodhealthgoodtimes]

I laughed at your "corny joke". Thank you.

[@MrSamwright1991]

Maybe the romans built the second bridge at a latter date. Maybe the original bridge fell into disrepair and it was easier to build a new one?

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Hi, I do think that is a possibility here. The smaller scale of the rebuild fits the narrative for the later Roman period. I also wondered if the earth abutments became unstable, necessitating the move to the side? Fascinating, isn’t it! Cheers

[@aussieseanc]

I concur Viroconium was established in the mid 1st century and town life there continued until the late 5th century, when many of the buildings fell into disrepair Some buildings were rebuilt not in stone but with timber instead It is almost certain that this bridge nearby Viroconium also fell into disrepair and, rather than repair the old one, they simply reused the stone to build a new smaller bridge beside the old abutments So what we see today is a very late Roman construction

[@steve6375]

Maybe stone was robbed from the old (collapsed) bridge to build a new bridge whilst a temporary wooden one was erected?

[@tomedom5107]

Yes, it's a bit strange i'n'it. The massive earth abutments are clear enough on the ground and very clear on the LIDAR pic. These indicate a bridge with a span at that level; did you say 40' up? Its high anyway. Then there is the stonework abutment, quite low, set off to the side of the earthworks with no obvious route to access it. Here is a possibility: the stone bridge is the first Roman version at the lower level. For whatever reason, dropping down, then climbing up again, was not favoured (heavy carts maybe? quarrystone?) and so a later high bridge keeping the road surface flat was engineered, which obscured the entry /exits to the old lower bridge. I'd go for a wooden structure for the later high bridge; it would be a perfectly possible in stone but skilled and expensive work. Now, if you could just date the phases of use of that quarry.......?

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

That’s interesting and I hadn’t considered the quarry might go back to the Roman period. I think you’re right about the high bridge being wooden - with the stone kerbing as discovered. Some great interactions and observations in the comments on this one. Thank you for contributing.

[@davidcollishaw2771]

what happened to young Darrens adventures in a hat?

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

There weren’t that many and they were terrible, I’m afraid! I do still have them and found it interesting to look back at for this. I'm tempted to do a commentary on some of them and put them on the Facebook page. Whilst they were awful, I can see the seeds of what I'm doing now in them!

[@kevina6587]

River/ water courses in relatively mature topography devoid of significant deposition rarely change course, look at the Seine through Paris, or the Tiber and Rome. Rivers in young areas of uplift ( mountain building ) are high ersoional environments and change a lot more or those near the sea where they are shedding their load provides opportunities for braiding and deposition also do. Reassuringly old is shropshire :-) Not much change in drainage basin morphology ariound there apart from deposition of the glacier around Elsmere port in the Ice ages.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

@@kevina6587 oh thank you, that’s really interesting. Quite a lot of comments raised about the apparent lack of course change.

[@iainmc9859]

Yeah, my gut reaction to the stone abutment was medieval, but without a 'dig' and a find then a block of stone cut by a burly chap looks pretty much the same the world over. Thanks for the namecheck ... although you could have just said ta' mac 😊

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Ta’mac! That line was too good not to steal! An intriguing site with clues, but as you say, we’d need some digging to get to the bottom of it.

[@iainmc9859]

@WC21UKProductionsLtd As long as my sense of humour isn't too 'hardcore' for your channel 😆

[@iainmc9859]

@WC21UKProductionsLtd I forgot to say there's a Mr Benn's vintage shop in Glasgow. I know the lady owner quite well (she doesn't wear a fez).

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

@ really? That is going on my list!

[@iainmc9859]

@WC21UKProductionsLtd Bottom end of King Street, opposite the NCP carpark. Not open Sunday or Monday. Cash only.

[@stevenwatsham5973]

Are you the same chap that did a walk around HMS Ganges?? And also attended there?.. I seem to recognize the voice??

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

@@stevenwatsham5973 Hi Steven, no that wasn’t me. I’m shocked to learn someone else sounds like this!

[@stevenwatsham5973]

@WC21UKProductionsLtd Might have been your dad then?!.. lol

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

@ that’ll be it - he’s always trying to copy me!

[@AgentTrust]

👍

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

👌

[@AllotmentFox]

You gave me the impression you were locked in an elemental struggle with a dangerous torrent. Instead I see you struggling with a slightly brisk puddle. Why did your grandmother give a cane to you a six-year-old? When I actually had a hip injury and then recovered I was still interested in perhaps a silver topped cane or shepherd’s crook for ageing hipster reasons, my wife who is always happy with my decisions stamped that particular idea out. With prejudice. She was right, it could not possibly bode well getting interested in walking aids. Good bridge abutment, though.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

I can’t argue with “brisk puddle”! However, on the first attempt in my walking boots it was treacherous and my life was at risk! I cannot explain why the six year old me requested a walking stick. That particular decision is lost in the mists of time - half a century ago. But it certainly came in handy with those dangerously slippery slopes!

[@AllotmentFox]

@ an antiquaire d’action would’ve gone down the ravine on his backside if he had to stick or no stick!

[@pcka12]

Did the Romans tend to use wooden spans for their bridges?

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Hi, good question and there are examples of both. I suspect the deck of the bridge on the high abutments was wooden, with the stone kerbs that were found to the embankment.

[@barryconway]

Wait, what now? I’ve been watching a Roman Gazette? I feel cheated.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

@@barryconway please carry on Barry!

[@bigjoe8922]

Did you let Rome know you found their bridge they’re probably worried sick

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

@@bigjoe8922 I’ve reported it via their missing bridge hotline!