What is Hadrian's Wall?
Hadrian's Wall is an ancient Roman wall in northern England, built from AD 122 on the orders of Emperor Hadrian. It stretched about 73 miles from the River Tyne to the Solway Firth and marked the northwest frontier of the Roman Empire.
The wall was built by Roman soldiers over about six years. It had forts, milecastles and turrets along its length, and a ditch on the north side.
Historians believe the wall was built to control movement and trade across the frontier, rather than simply to keep people out.
Visiting the wall
Long sections of the wall survive, especially in Northumberland. Forts such as Housesteads, Vindolanda and Chesters are popular sites.
At Vindolanda, archaeologists discovered wooden writing tablets, including letters and lists written by Roman soldiers and their families.
Hadrian's Wall is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Hadrian's Wall Path follows the route for 84 miles. Despite popular belief, the wall does not mark the border between England and Scotland. The famous Sycamore Gap tree beside the wall was illegally cut down in 2023.