Strutt's Park Roman fort

The general outline of the Roman conquest of Britain during the 1st century AD is recorded by historical sources; for the involvement of specific forts historians depend on archaeological excavations. This part of Britain was occupied by a tribe known as the Cornovii. In AD 46–47 the Roman Army led by governor Aulus Plautius had probably occupied the lands to the south of the River Trent. Late in 47 the new governor of Britain, Ostorius Scapula, began a campaign against the tribes of the western mountains (modern Wales). Caratacus, their leader, was defeated in battle in AD 50 and fled to the Brigantes who occupied the Pennines. Their queen, Cartimandua, came to terms with the Romans and…

The site of the fort was under the present day Duffield Road and Belper Road; the first report of its existence appeared in 1967. Excavations in 1995 revealed terracing, stone wall footing and a cobbled pavement. Finds of pottery from the excavations are partly held by the Trent & Peak Archaeological Trust, partly at Derby Museum. Its purpose was probably to protect an important river crossing: less than a mile to the south the north-south Roman road now known as Ryknild Street crossed the Derwent. A second road, known as The Long Lane, ran westward from this point in the direction of Wroxeter and Chester; a third, known as The Street, crossed the Peak District towards Buxton and Manchester.