The Roman Village of Corbridge - History

In AD.80, the Roman Governor of Britain, Julius Agricola built a fort on the north bank of the Tyne and around this structure sprang the settlement of Corstopitum, now the thriving town of Corbridge. Two Important strategic Roman roads crossed the Tyne at this point, Dere Street, which ran north to Redesdale and onto Caledonia while Stanegate followed the north bank of the Tyne to Luguvallium (Carlisle) This vital crossing gave Corstopitum an important role as a holding area for Agricola's Legions in his ultimately unsuccessful invasion of Caledonia.

In AD.160, shortly after the construction of Hadrian's Wall, Corstopitum became the Main military supply base for the eastern sector of the Wall. A large, bustling garrison town emerged, attracting artisans, tradesmen and merchants from throughout the Empire tapping into the strong local economy.

Even after the Roman Empire's decline, Corbridge remained an important financial and cultural centre. In Anglo Saxon times it was the temporary capital of Northumbria. Corbridge was the scene of two important battles in the later Dark Ages (914 & 918) in which a rare alliance of Anglo Saxons and Scots confronted a marauding army of Norsemen.

The wealth of Corbridge continued to grow and as a result, in the Twelfth and Thirteenth centuries the town became a frequent target for fierce Scottish raids. In 1138 David I of Scotland occupied the town several times and William Wallace (Braveheart) set it to the torch in 1296 and just as the town's re-building was complete, Robert the Bruce burned it to the ground in 1312. The last recorded conflagration was at the behest of David II of Scotland in 1346.

A potent reminder of the town's violent past is the Vicar's Pele tower located in the Market Square. It was built, like much of the Medieval town, from  stones taken from the old Roman settlement of Corstopitum in 1300.

In 2007, as the new Angel restaurant began construction; a valuable Medieval site was uncovered. After a two week excavation many artefacts were recovered including a Medieval hearth complete with edging stones, bronze utensils and a cauldron's handle. Also found were two bodies, indicating an ancient burial ground under the road.