Richborough (Portus Rutupiae) Fort and Hotel – Quick Facts

Where

Richborough, Kent Map & Website

When

• Possible landing site of the Roman invasion of AD 43, there was a military fortification here until the mid-second century.
• Used as a supply base from AD 45-85.
• A monumental gateway arch was built here in AD 85 and could be seen for miles around. More info and photos of gateway arch.
• Major town grew up around monumental arch.
• Saxon raids on the south coast caused fortifications, including a triple ditch, to be built in AD 250.
• A large Saxon Shore Fort was built in AD 275.
• The site remained in use by Romans into the 5^th century.

What Remains

• Earthwork ditches dating from the invasion of AD 43.
• Remains of a mansio(official hotel) and bath-suite.
• Cross-shaped platform of the monumental gateway arch built in AD 85.
• Remains of 2^ndcentury shops from the town.
• High walls of the Saxon Shore fort built in AD 275.