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All the United Kingdom England Newcastle upon Tyne Benwell Roman Temple
AO Edited

Benwell Roman Temple

This Roman archeological site is hidden amid a 1930s housing estate.

Newcastle upon Tyne, England

Added By
katielou106
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Temple to Antenociticus   katielou106 / Atlas Obscura User
Temple to Antenociticus   katielou106 / Atlas Obscura User
Altar stone   katielou106 / Atlas Obscura User
One of the carved altar stones   katielou106 / Atlas Obscura User
Benwell Roman Temple   katielou106 / Atlas Obscura User
Bank and ditch structure excavated at Benwell Vallum Crossing   katielou106 / Atlas Obscura User
Benwell Vallum Crossing   katielou106 / Atlas Obscura User
  SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
  SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
  SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
The temple amidst the sprawl of suburbia in early January 2023   Juliejoolz / Atlas Obscura User
  SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
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About

Condercum, or Benwell as it's now called, was one of 13 permanent forts along Hadrian's Wall. The fort itself can no longer be visited, as it's covered on the north side by a Victorian reservoir and to the south by 1930s housing. However, this housing estate does hide a few surprises.

The Benwell Roman Temple was once a small temple dedicated to the native god Antenociticus. Antenociticus is thought to have been a local Celtic god because there are no mentions of the deity at any other British or European Roman sites.

The temple was originally located in the vicus, or the civilian settlement that stood outside the fort. At some point, the temple became a cemetery as three skeletons were excavated at the site.

Benwell Vallum Crossing is another historic site a short walk away, but also hidden amid the residential area. The crossing is a stone-built causeway, where the road from the south crossed the Vallum earthwork on its way to Benwell Fort.  

Related Tags

Roman Temples Ruins Archaeology History & Culture

Know Before You Go

Benwell Temple is incongruously sited on a small neat lawn between two houses. There is limited on-street parking, so please don't block driveways or restrict access. A few parking bays are available on West Road next to the Khyber Cafe, from where it's easy to walk to both the temple and Vallum Crossing.

If you are lucky, some of the older residents may come out and tell you about the finds they have come across in their gardens. 

Community Contributors

Added By

katielou106

Edited By

jooniur, SEANETTA, Juliejoolz

  • jooniur
  • SEANETTA
  • Juliejoolz

Published

January 22, 2021

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Benwell Roman Temple
Broomridge Ave
Newcastle upon Tyne, England, NE15 6QP
United Kingdom
54.97621, -1.662338
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Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Newcastle upon Tyne

Newcastle upon Tyne

England

Places 9

Nearby Places

Dunston Staiths

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miles away

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Photo of Newcastle upon Tyne

Newcastle upon Tyne

England

Places 9

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