82 



cohort was apparently commanded by Marcus Msnius Agrippa, 

 who, we are told on the authority of Dr. J. Colling^vood Bruce, 

 was none other than the admiral of the Roman fleet, and a friend 

 of Hadrian, the reigning emperor. 



In passing we may, with a very great degree of probability, 

 fancy that Hadrian, the prince of pedestrians, had visited his friend 

 when in camp here. That a strong friendship existed between the 

 two, we may be certain. Of four altars that have been found 

 dedicated by Agrippa, two are dedicated to Jupiter, and the other 

 two to Jupiter and the divine influences of the emperor. 



That Agrippa should have been in command, shows how very 

 greatly the Romans esteemed the possession of this station. Had 

 it been a place of small importance, we can scarcely conceive that 

 so important a personage would have been in command. Hence, 

 at a very early date — about A.D. 120 — we may perhaps look upon 

 Maryport as one of the chief stations of the Roman fleet on the 

 west coast. 



Granted then that I have not spoken too favourably of the 

 camp, etc., and granting too, that in the selection of his posts 

 Agricola made at all times a wise selection, I think we may safely 

 assume that Agricola was the founder of Roman Maryport, about 

 the year A.D. 79. 



