Description

The monument comprises the remains of a Roman fort dating to the late 1st century AD, with an associated annexe. The monument survives mainly as buried features visible as cropmarks on aerial photographs. The monument occupies the summit of Barochan Hill, at a height of approximately 70m above sea level, with views towards the River Clyde around 4km to the N. The monument was first scheduled in 1973, but an inadequate area was included to protect all of the archaeological remains: the present amendment rectifies this.

The rectangular fort measures approximately 168m from E- W by 96m transversely, enclosing an area of around 1.4 hectares. The fort is orientated WSW-ENE with the main entrance on the W side. Part of a bank is still visible on the NW side. Attached to the E side of the fort is a near square annexe with sides measuring approximately 65m, enclosing an area of 0.4 hectares. Limited archaeological investigations have revealed the remains of buildings, ditches and ramparts and have recovered a significant assemblage of artefacts. The evidence indicates that the fort was built around AD 79-80 and occupied probably for little more than a decade.

The scheduled area is an irregular polygon on plan to include the remains described above and an area around them in which evidence for the monument's construction, use and abandonment is expected to survive, as shown in red on the accompanying map. The scheduled area specifically excludes the above-ground elements of all boundary features to allow for their maintenance.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

The monument is of national importance because it has an inherent potential to make a significant addition to our understanding of the Roman military advance into Scotland and the form and function of Roman forts. Excavations have confirmed that Barochan is a well-preserved example of a Flavian period Roman fort, probably associated with the campaigns of governor Agricola. Limited archaeological excavations have demonstrated the presence of important buried structures and artefacts, which can enhance our understanding of the construction and use of this fort. The fort occupied a strategically significant location on the S bank of the Clyde and was an important component of a network of Roman forts built between the Forth and Clyde: these formed an effective boundary controlling access and movement across central Scotland. The loss of Barochan Hill Roman fort would significantly impede our ability to understand the campaigns of the Roman army in Scotland during the 1st century AD.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

Further Information

RCAHMS records the monument as NS46NW 17. WOSAS record the monument as WOSAS PIN 7662.

References

Breeze, D 1982, The Northern Frontiers of Roman Britain. London

Frere, S S, 1986, 'Roman Britain in 1985. I. Sites explored', Britannia 17, 371

Frere, S S ,1987, 'Roman Britain in 1986. I. Sites explored', Britannia 18, 311-13

Hanson, W S and Maxwell, G S, 1983, Rome's north west frontier: The Antonine Wall, Edinburgh, 39-40

Keppie, L J F and Newall, F, 1984, 'Barochan Hill (Houston p)', DES, 34

Keppie, L J F and Newall, F, 1985, 'Barochan hill (Houston p)', DES, 49

Keppie, L J F and Newall, F, 1998, 'Excavations at the Roman fort of Barochan Hill, Renfrewshire, 1972 and 1984-1986', Glas Arch Jour 20, 41-76

Keppie, L J F and Robb, M J, 1993, 'Barochan Hill (Houston parish): Roman fort', DES, 91

Newall, F and Hallifax-Crawford, A 1972, 'Barochan hill', DES, 35-6

Rivet, A L F and Smith, C, 1979, 'The place-names of Roman Britain', Batsford Studies in Archaeology, 125, 126, 140, 211, 319, 343. London

Robertson, A S 1970, 'Roman finds from non-Roman sites in Scotland', Britannia 1, 224

Robertson, A S 1976, 'Agricola's campaigns in Scotland, and their aftermath', Scot Arch Forum 7, 5

Robertson, A S 1984, 'Roman coins found in Scotland, 1971-1982', Proc Soc Antiq Scot 113, 409

Scott, J G 1976, 'The Roman occupation of South-West Scotland from the recall of Agricola to the withdrawal under Trajan', Glas Arch Jour 4, 30, 31

Wilson, D R 1973, 'Roman Britain in 1972. I. Sites explored', Britannia 4, 275

Canmore

https://canmore.org.uk/site/43107/

HER/SMR Reference

WoSAS Pin 7662

Source: Historic Environment Scotland