Trimontium: Gateway to Roman Scotland

Trimontium was a Roman fort complex located at Newstead, near Melrose, in the Scottish Borders, beneath the three Eldon Hills which almost certainly gave it its name (Latin: trim montium, three hills). It was occupied from about 79 to 184 and was the largest of the “outpost” forts after the construction of Hadrian’s Wall. Trimontium was about three times larger than any fort on Hadrian’s Wall and by 180 became the most northerly settlement of the whole Roman Empire. Trimontium is also considered of international importance as the site of one of the largest caches of Roman military objects in Britain, found in 117 pits.

The Trimontium Trust museum redevelopment project has seen key finds return to the vicinity of the original fort site and archaeological excavations. They are housed within an impressive museum setting which extends, redesigns, reinterprets and re-displays objects telling the story of Trimontium and its relationship with the local population.

John Reid, the Trust Chairman, is a recently retired NHS consultant, who has been a Roman history enthusiast since childhood. He has led several Trust initiatives including the facial restoration of Trimontium Man, the fort reconstruction and the groundbreaking archaeological investigations at Burnswark Hill. We look forward to meeting John, who is travelling down from Trimontium especially to talk to us and to tell us more about this remarkable site.

Cost £7.50 (Friends of Roman Aldborough members free)