Page:Archaeological Journal, Volume 11.djvu/413

FROM THE ROMAX WALL NORTHWARD INTO SCOTLAND. 349 subsequent period a border fortress has probably been built on each side of the ravine. A small portion of the wall of each border tower is still remaining. Some weapons of curious fashion have been found at these encampments. Another ancient road, called the Blackgate, passes through the enclosures on the western side of the Flight encampment. It comes from North Tyne in a direction from north-east to south-west ; crosses the Boghall ground at the Flight, and the Liddal near Castleton ; carries its name over Coom's Edge into Ewes' Water, and into Eskdale, in the direction of Sowerby-hass, where there are, as I have been informed, several Roman camps. (500 yards.) Returning to the Maiden Way and following the Red Roads, at 3220 yards it passes a large green knowe, "where are the ruins of a modern building called the Abbotshaws, in which may be traced several stones resembling such as are seen in Roman work. As it is about the proper distance it may have been the site of another Mile Castle. There are traces of some enclosures near it. (1500 yards.) At 4720 yards it arrives at Castleton, wdiere we may see several traces of ramparts and fosses which have the appearance of having been the site of an extensive Roman station. It is difficult to trace the exact position of this encampment, as the road to Jedburgh passes through the south side of it, and the churchyard of Castleton occupies the western portion. On the northern side the ancient castle of Liddal stood on an almost impregnable post. On the east side it has been defended by a very deep and narrow gorge or glen ; on the north and north-west by a steep and rocky precipice above 100 feet high, the foot of which is washed by the river Liddal ; and on the south and south- west by a double fosse. The northern fosse is about 20 ft. deep and 20 ft. broad, while the southern fosse is about 24 ft. deep, and 33 ft. broad at the bottom, with a rampart or earthen breastwork, about 10 ft. broad and 6 ft. lii<2;h. In the immediate vicinity of this camp there must have been formerly a town or village of considerable importance, as the foundations of a great luunber of buildings have been dug up at different periods. Neither the extent, nor the exact situation of this village are known. It is said to have suffered severely from the inroads of the English, and to have been burned by them more than once. The buildings