If the words Roman and Leeds are somehow as yet unconnected in your mind, then it’s now time to make the join. York – of course…Eboracum, later Jorvik. Alborough – definitely…once an administrative centre on the road North…Isuruim Brigantum. But Leeds? Yes – the Northern Powerhouse lost most of its traces of it’s Roman past with the onset of industrialisation beginning in the early 19th century, though its development as as medieval textile centre certainly eroded many physical traces of an historic association with Roman colonisers.

In Meanwood and Moortown, North Leeds, dominates a steeply rising ridge, according to the ancient maps once known as ‘Hawcaster Rigg’.

From where the Leeds to Bradford ring-road meets the beginning of Parkside Road, just opposite Scotland Mill Farm, as the ground rises further up towards the flat of the land and way beyond the tree-line is this near mythical, ancient and mysterious ridge. Hawcaster Rigg is reputed by Ralph Thoresby Leeds’ answer to Tudor era historian William Camden to have been a ‘Roman Enclosure’ – or at least a Roman pottery production site. Down the road towards Leeds itself is an area called Potter Newton. So perhaps the hill top was a 2000 year old pot and tile making facility. 

There is also a Tile Lane in the vicinity, ;leading to a place called Adel, where a Roman fort and viccus (town) – a ‘ribbon settlement’ once stood. This is thought by many to have been called Burgodunum. 

I personally would argue in favour of it being called Campodunum, unless this name is reserved for Quarry Hill in Leeds city centre itself, believed to be the site of another long lost Castrum (Roman fort). Another Roman Camp is said to have existed over the River Are in a district called Holbeck. 

Likewise, up the road from where I live there is the supposed site of yet another 2000 year old military camp, funnily enough in a place called ‘Camp Town’. Roman coins have been found on the site which is now a primary school and the North Leeds Music Centre. It’s likely both these sites were strategic marching camps used at campaign stages before their battles to quash the Brigantes Tribes and set up the subsequent, more permanent fort bases in their conquest further north. 

See also