Ambleside (Galava) Fort – Quick Facts

Where

Ambleside, Cumbria Map & Website

When

  • A timber fort was first built here in the late 1st century.
  • The stone fort was built in the early 2nd century.
  • The early timber fort was made into a raised platform above the lake’s flood plain to support the later stone fort.
  • Garrisoned by a cohort of 500 auxiliary infantry men.
  • The fort was occupied until the 4th century.
  • There was a large vicus (civilian settlement) to the north and east of the fort.

What Remains

  • Granaries – the most extensive remains here are the granaries with stone wall and buttress foundations.
  • Principia– some foundations of the headquarters remain.
  • Main and South Gates– some fragments survive.
  • Angle Tower– small fragments survive.
  • Commanding Officer’s House– sunken and grass-covered outlines of the praetorium.
  • Fort Walls– none remain.