A HISTORY OF DURHAM 



right in saying that there is nothing about the earthworks to prevent an 

 earlier origin. It appears to be of the Celtic period. 



The curious lunar-shaped extension of the outer two banks on the 

 north-east side, though conformable to the shape of the hill, is unusual and 

 interesting. The rough section accompanying the plan shows the artificial 

 work on the south-west side and indicates the sharp slope of the hill. This 

 precipitous character extends nearly all round, but is less marked on the north 

 where the hill is linked to the head of a steep coomb. The plan here given 

 is based on that published by Maclauchlan, aided by recent investigations, 

 and it must be stated with regret that much of the work shown by Mac- 

 lauchlan is now hard to find, and part, on the north-east side, has entirely 

 disappeared. 1 



HILTON. The works here are too indefinite to make it certain that a 

 British stronghold existed, but such was possibly the case. 



INGLETON. The broken works here are near to the Scots Dyke, with 

 which extensive earthwork they may have been connected, and are probably 

 of the period of the Roman occupation. 



MAINSFORTH. Both by Gough* and Lewis* we are told that here was 

 an early camp on an eminence, and that the stream known as the Little 

 Skerne was anciently diverted from its course to form a deep fosse round 

 a circular fortification of great height. These writers copied John Cade's 

 statements,* but neither Hutchinson nor Surtees could find any traces of a 

 camp. The hill is known as Narbon or Nab Hill. 



QUARRINGTON. Murray's Handbook (1890) refers to Castle Hill, two 

 miles west of Quarrington, as having traces of ancient fortifications, but the 

 remains are in fragmentary condition. 



RECTANGULAR CAMPS, &c. 



[CLASS C] 



BINCHESTER. The western ramparts of this Roman station have been 

 carried down by the river Wear ; water and other agencies have destroyed 

 much of the other defences, but the whole of the east side and parts of 

 the north and south sides remain. Mr. Boyle states that the enclosure contains 

 about seven acres. 6 



CHESTER LE STREET : ROMAN STATION. The last traces of the earth- 

 works here have been destroyed, and are now covered by gardens and the 

 deanery grounds. The ground falls to the east towards the river Wear, and 

 to the north towards a small stream ; on the south it is level for some 

 distance. 



EBCHESTER. Little is left to indicate that here was a strong fort, or 

 station, of the Roman rulers, occupying some four acres between the river 

 Derwent and a small stream, a position of natural strength, guarding the 

 ford over the river which now separates Durham from Northumberland. As 

 one of the stations on the Watling Street, Ebchester will be referred to in 

 the chapter on Roman Remains. 



1 The writer is indebted to Mr. Edward Wooler for valuable notes and measurements. 

 3 Gough (R.), Additions to CamJen's Britannia, vol. iii. 1789. 

 8 Lewis (S.), Topographical Dictionary, 1831. * Arch, vii. 1785. 



8 Boyle (J. R.), County of Durham, 1892. 



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