Roman Lincoln

J.B. Whitwell describes how a series of excavations since the Second World War has revealed much important detail about Lindum Colonia.

Visitors to Lincoln, travelling from the south, cannot help being impressed by the magnificent setting of its cathedral, set high on the limestone escarpment that runs from south to north through the length of the county and is divided at Lincoln by the east-west flow of the river Witham.

The Romans, too, in their advance northwards were impressed by the strategic possibilities of the site, which early in the occupation became a legionary fortress, a key-point in a frontier zone established across the country from the river Severn to the Trent, serviced by the Fosse Way.

A little later, the same site at Lincoln was used by the Romans for the foundation of a colonia, or official settlement for veteran soldiers, others in this country being at Colchester, Gloucester and York. Lindum Colonia flourished and expanded down the hill-side of the limestone escarpment to the River Witham and on the level ground south of the river.

To continue reading this article you will need to purchase access to the online archive.

Buy Online Access  Buy Print & Archive Subscription

If you have already purchased access, or are a print & archive subscriber, please ensure you are logged in.

Please email digital@historytoday.com if you have any problems.