The (Probable) Roman Road from Billingford to Kempstone

Margary Number: 38

Distance: 9.5 miles

The Norfolk HER includes this road as being part of the Fen Causeway although the connection is far from secure. Albone was very dismissive of a through connection.

This road really hangs on Salter's Lane at Bittering and whether it really is a Roman road - the Ordnance Survey mark it as such but they have been known to be wrong!

Billingford is a well established Roman site and Kempstone appears to have been a relatively minor site at the junction with the Toftrees to Pickenham Roman Road. A connection would ave been logical.

Historic Counties: Norfolk

Current Counties: Norfolk

HER: Norfolk

location

mini map

Norfolk Homepage

Aerial Photos and Route Map It would have been more reassuring if the direction of the road was on Billingford. However, it is believed that the early fort or camp there was south of the river so the alignment might make some sense.	Click for larger view
Oblique 3D Lidar Image - looking towards Kempstone We are looking down the line of the Roman road towards Salter's Lane and Kempstone.	Click for larger view
Lidar Image and Route Map 1 Not a lot to go on west of Billingford. There is a modern track and road that would provide a direct connection - shown dotted - but this is really speculative.	Click for larger view
Lidar Image and Route Map 2 Begins to get a bit more certain now with traces of a possible route aiming for Salter's Lane at Bittering.	Click for larger view
Salter's Lane, Bittering Yes it does look Roman which is probably the reason the Ordnance Survey show it as such.	Click for larger view
Lidar Image and Route Map 3 The final stage to the junction with the Toftrees to North Pickenham Roman road. Some intermittent clues but perhaps not enough to be absolutely certain this is Roman.	Click for larger view

Back to Norfolk homepage

Last update: July 2020