Roman Occupation of Exmoor

Although the 'Roman Invasion,' had a profound effect on the rest of Britain it hardly affected Exmoor. There is little evidence of occupation during the Roman period (43 - 410 AD). Apart from a short-lived signal station at Old Burrow (SS 788 494), near County Gate on the Somerset-Devon border, and another on the cliffs north of Martinhoe (SS 664 493), the Romans never occupied Exmoor.

Old Burrow Roman fortlet as it may have looked around 60 AD (Reconstruction by Bill Bennett)

The Roman invasion probably had little direct impact on people living around Exmoor. Tw o small fortlets were built on the coast at Old Burrow and Martinhoe, whilst Exmoor is ringed by Roman forts on its southern side. However, recent work is showing that the Romans exploited Exmoor’s iron deposits on a large scale. Evidence: Roman fortlets; Roman forts; iron smelting sites Places to visit: Old Burrow Roman fortlet (SS 7880 4934); Martinhoe Roman fortlet (SS 6630 4933) The Romans left after 30 years

Contributed by: Julie Elliot