Vinovia

Step back in time and uncover the fascinating world of Vinovia, an ancient Roman fort and settlement nestled just over a mile north of the charming town of Bishop Auckland in County Durham, England. Known today as Binchester Roman Fort, this historic site offers a captivating glimpse into Roman Britain and the lives of those who once called this place home.

The History of Vinovia

Established around AD 79, Vinovia was strategically positioned to guard the crossing of the River Wear by Dere Street, the main Roman road connecting York, Hadrian's Wall, and Scotland. Perched atop a hill 15 meters above the Wear, it was the largest Roman fort in County Durham. The fort's construction began with the clearing of trees and brush, followed by the laying of a massive levelling fill on the plateau. This foundation supported the initial timber structures, likely barrack blocks, which were later replaced by stone buildings, including a commandant's house and a well-appointed bathhouse.

The Garrison and Civilian Settlement

While the exact garrison units stationed at Vinovia are not entirely clear, inscriptions from the site mention the cuneus Frisorum Vinoviensium and the equites catafractariorum. The cavalry units of the ala Vettonum, a cohort of Frisian soldiers, and possibly part of the Sixth Legion, might have also been housed here. The original fort may have been built by men from the Legio VI Victrix.

To the north and west of the fort lay an extensive civilian settlement, or vicus, where families of soldiers, traders, and craftsmen lived and worked. The remains of this bustling community are buried under the pastures of Binchester Hall Farm. The southern part of the fort now lies beneath Binchester Hall, while some of the fort's defenses were lost to a landslip in the 19th century. However, remnants of the stone bridge on which Dere Street crossed the River Wear can still be seen when the river is low. In 2007, several mausolea were discovered to the north of the vicus, adding to the rich tapestry of Vinovia's history.

Later History and Archaeological Discoveries

Despite the official end of Roman occupation in Britain around 410, the area around Binchester remained inhabited. By the early 6th century, a small Anglo-Saxon cemetery had been established, and the fort's buildings were gradually dismantled for their materials, some of which were used in the construction of the nearby 7th-century Escomb Church. A hamlet and manor house persisted at Binchester until the late Middle Ages, with the site of the manor house now occupied by the 17th-century Binchester Hall.

The ruins of Vinovia have intrigued antiquarians and historians since the 16th century. Early records mention Roman coins and wall remains, with significant findings such as a bathhouse discovered in 1815. Victorian excavations between 1878 and 1880, led by John Proud and Reverend Robert Eli Hooppell, unveiled parts of the fort's defenses and the vicus. Subsequent excavations in the 20th century, including work by Kenneth Steer and the Bowes Museum, revealed further insights into the fort's structure and history. Notably, the excavation of the bath suite and commandant's house uncovered multiple phases of development, reflecting the changing uses and fortunes of these buildings over time.

Modern Excavations and Discoveries

The 21st century has seen continued archaeological interest in Vinovia. A geophysical survey in 2004 mapped around 4.7 hectares of the vicus, revealing a substantial civilian settlement. The Channel 4 archaeological program Time Team conducted excavations in 2007, uncovering more remains of the fort and a row of three military mausolea, the first such discovery in Britain for 150 years. Further excavations in 2009 and 2010, led by Durham University and Stanford University, explored both the fort and the vicus, uncovering roads, carved images, and industrial buildings from the Roman era.

Visiting Binchester Roman Fort

Today, visitors to Binchester Roman Fort can explore the fascinating ruins and imagine the lives of the Roman soldiers and civilians who once inhabited this site. Walking through the remains of the fort, you can see the foundations of buildings, the layout of streets, and the remnants of the bathhouse, offering a tangible connection to the past. Informative displays and guided tours provide context and bring the history of Vinovia to life, making it an enriching experience for history enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.

In conclusion, Vinovia, or Binchester Roman Fort, stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Roman Britain. Its ruins, steeped in history, tell the story of a once-thriving military and civilian community, offering a unique window into the past. Whether you're a history buff or simply curious about ancient civilizations, a visit to Vinovia promises to be a memorable journey through time.