OSMap: LR124/125, OL18
Type: Minor Settlement, Fort.
Plan of Caer Gai Fort
(Sourced from Haverfield, 1910)
SW (11) to Brithdir (Gwynedd)
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NGRef: SH8731 OSMap: LR124/125, OL18 Type: Minor Settlement, Fort. |
Plan of Caer Gai Fort (Sourced from Haverfield, 1910) |
| Roads | |
|---|---|
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NE (5) to Llanfor (Gwynedd) SW (11) to Brithdir (Gwynedd) | |
| N.G.REF | DIMENSIONS | AREA |
|---|---|---|
| SH877314 | (c.128 x 128 m) | (c.1.7 ha) |
Located on a spur in the valley of the Dee (Afon Dyfrdwy) overlooking the river from its north bank, the Caergai fort is square in plan, each side measuring about 420 feet (c.128m), and covers an area of 4½ acres (1.7 ha). The fort was furnished with timber buildings never rebuilt in stone and was occupied from c.AD75 until c.130. The Caergai farmhouse occupies the north corner of the fort and has destroyed most of the north corner-angle. A spring which probably served the Roman soldiers lies about 200 feet outside the western corner-angle.
In 1865 a number of urns of coarse grey ware were uncovered in the field named Cae Dentir to the immediate north-east of the fort, each of which contained the ashes and burnt bones of human cremations. In this same field in 1885 the foundations of a small (9 x 9 ft) square timber building were uncovered, in the centre of which was square pit containing sherds of samian pottery and other decorated wares. Lying on its side over the foundation trench of this building was a block of red sandstone measuring 30 x 23 x 10 inches (c.76 x 58 x 25 cm) and bearing the only Latin inscription to be found on the site, fortunately naming one of the occupying regiments (vide RIB 418 infra).
| IVLIVS GAVERONIS F FE MIL CHO I NER |
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| "Julius the son of Gavero, ironsmith¹ and soldier of the First Cohort of Nervians." (RIB 418; votive panel reused as tombstone) |
There are two Roman practice works nearby at Rhyd Sarn (SH8527).
