Staff
Mr Matt Claydon
(email at matthew.claydon@durham.ac.uk)
Research Topic
Re-evaluating Roman Newcastle and Gateshead: A critical reappraisal of the evidence for settlement at Pons Aelii
Abstract
My research focuses on re-evaluating the archaeological evidence for Roman Newcastle and Gateshead. It uses new evidence from recent excavations within the vicus of the fort of Pons Aelii at the site of the former BEMCO buildings in Clavering Place to provide a critical examination of previous archaeological investigations within the vicinity of the fort, and a re-appraisal of their interpretation. I intend to consider the evidence for the extent of pre-Roman occupation, and early Roman activity in Newcastle and Gateshead and examine the archaeological and historical basis for the date, location and construction of the bridge of Pons Aelii, exploring the circumstances in which it was built and the degree of protection that the bridge was afforded.
