The Roman Road from Rocester to Carsington (Probable)

Margary Number: None

Distance: 13 miles

Some evidence for this road but perhaps not enough to be absolutely certain. It shares the first section with the Roman road from Arbor Low to Rocester and it was that road's apparent branch off another road at Mayfield that suggested this road. Plus, of course, Carsington was almost certainly the important lead processing site of Lutudarum so a connection would make a lot of sense.

Historic Counties: Derbyshire & Staffordshire

Current Counties: Derbyshire & Staffordshire

HER: Derbyshire & Staffordshire

Lidar Image - Full Route

Probably the most practical way of getting from Rocester to Carsington.

Lidar Image & Route Map 1

This section is shared with the Arbor Low to Rocester - see that road for full details.

Oblique 3D Lidar Image - Mayfield

It was the arrangement here where the road to Arbor Low appears to branch off a straight-on road that strongly suggestd a road to Carsington

Lidar Image & Route Map 2

Across the Dove Valley then just like the Arbor Low road evidence has probably been washed away.

Oblique 3D Lidar Image - East of Ashbourne

East of Ashbourne there is an old road that heads apparaently to nowhere. Its alignment with the valley ascending Madge Hill cannot be a coicidence. Was this a Roman road to Carsington?

Lidar Image & Route Map 3

Section East of Ashbourne.

Oblique Lidar Image - Descent via Hognaston

Stoney Lane is a good clue but the other evidence is faint and intermittent. I would have like stronger evidence here and as a result we cannot consider this road as certain - just probable.

Lidar Image & Route Map 4

Carsington lead processing site is now under water but little doubt that this was Lutudarum. Lead pigs stamped LVT have been found all over the country including Carsington itself! See the Street Roman road for more details of Carsington.

Last update: March 2026

© David Ratledge