English Heritage

138Break from Cavalry

The 1st cohort of Dalmatians, an infantry unit, carries out building works. For the first time in its history, Chesters may have temporarily ceased to be a cavalry fort.

178Back in Business

The Second Asturians ('ala II Asturum'), a cavalry unit from northern Spain, settle here and completely rebuild the barracks.

Read a description of Chesters Roman Fort

180-250Civilian Settlements

Outside the fort walls, civilian settlements (vici) grow and prosper.

4th CenturyInherited Duties

The Chesters unit adopts compulsory hereditary service and soldiers are mainly paid in kind. The outer settlements are probably abandoned.

Early 5th CenturyRemaining Cavalry

The Second Asturians remain at Chesters, increasingly cut off from the weakening Roman Empire.

675Stripped for Parts

Saxon builders dismantle the remains of the Roman bridge, using the stone for a church at Hexham.

Find out more about the Roman bridge at Chesters

1796Buried Ruins

Nathaniel Clayton buys the estate, levelling the ruins and grassing them over to form a park.

1832John Clayton's Reign

Nathaniel's son John Clayton, a lawyer and Roman enthusiast, inherits the property.

1843-90Extensive Excavations

Clayton devotes every Monday to excavations. Chief workmen are William Tailford and his son, who spends 45 years excavating Chesters.

1890-5Continuing Legacy

After John Clayton's death, his son Nathaniel takes over the excavations and builds a museum to house his father's Roman finds.

See highlights of the collection at Chesters

1946State Ownership

The eastern bridge abutment, fort, wall and baths to the east are taken over by the Ministry of Works.

1982-91Modern Research

Excavation and surveys take place on the eastern and western bridge abutments, the only large-scale work of this type completed after the Claytons.

Learn more about the history of Chesters Roman Fort