Return to South Charlton Walks Index
Evidence for human activity in and around South Charlton stretches back several thousands of years. From earliest Neolithic burial sites, through possible Roman marching camps to nineteenth century industrial and farming development – a vast canvas of human history has been painted on our landscape.
From the village and returning to the A1. About ½ mile from the village on the left hand side.
South Charlton, of course, lies to the north of Hadrian’s Wall and hence outside Roman Britain. However, for a short while, the Romans occupied part of lowland Scotland territory, marking the boundary by means of a turf wall known as the Antonine Wall. Even when the legionaries retreated to the line of Hadrian’s Wall, they developed a defensive screen throughout north Northumberland comprising marching camps and signalling stations to provide advance warning of possible attacks. Chester Hill may be the site of one such Roman marching camp, possibly Iron Age or Roman in date. Unfortunately, apart from the name of the hill, no other evidence has yet been found to establish its existence.