Bradford-led project to explore Roman Empire’s northern edge
Archaeologists from the University of Bradford will carry out cutting-edge work at Scotland’s biggest Roman complex after being selected as a pilot for a national funding scheme.
The University’s ‘Romans at the Tweed: Returning to Trimontium to examine a crossing point at the northern limit of the Roman Empire’ is one of five schemes announced through the Research Infrastructure for Conservation and Heritage Science (RICHeS) Access Fund Catalyst Projects.
Scientific surveys will be carried out this spring at Trimontium, a key Roman frontier site, using advanced survey techniques to improve understanding of how the Roman Empire controlled movement across the River Tweed at its northernmost limits, in partnership with the Trimontium Trust and AOC Archaeology.
Dr Kayt Armstrong, Facility Manager of the RICHeS-funded mobile laboratory, ‘From land To Sea’ – a facility for prospection, landscapes and people’ at the University of Bradford, said: “I am delighted that our partnership with AOC Archaeology and the Trimontium Trust was selected as an Access Fund Catalyst Project as we will be able to bring cutting-edge geophysical instruments to bear on key questions about the fortification at Trimontium and the relationship between the Romans, locals and the River Tweed.”
More on Romans at the Tweed
In 2022, the Trimontium Trust and AOC Archaeology used ground-penetrating radar (GPR) for the first time at the fort, training volunteers and restarting field research.
That survey employed a high-resolution Mala MIRA system, the first of its kind on a Roman fort in Scotland, but the equipment is no longer available in the UK, leaving parts of the site unsurveyed. To continue, the University of Bradford’s compact Mala MIRA unit and new RICHeS-funded tools, including drone-based GPR, will be used to complete surveys of the fort and search for the Roman crossing point along the River Tweed.
The work, carried out through the Uncovering the Tweed project, brings together technical specialists, archaeologists and volunteers, placing public participation at the heart of frontier research while ensuring new data is widely shared.
More on Trimontium
Located on the Scottish Borders, Trimontium is the largest Roman fort and settlement in Scotland and the site of one of the greatest concentrations of Roman military-related finds in the United Kingdom.
The 370-acre fort and associated settlement features a military/civilian complex including a fort, a bridge crossing the River Tweed plus roads, shrines and a cemetery. It is the site of the most northerly amphitheatre within the Roman empire.
Heritage science support
Five new projects have received funding from the RICHeS Access Fund Catalyst scheme to explore how heritage science can support research, conservation, and public engagement across the UK.
These projects will test ways to make cutting-edge facilities and expertise more accessible, helping protect nationally important heritage for the future.
Running until March 2026, these Catalyst Projects form the first stage of activity for the RICHeS Access Fund which, from 28 January 2026, will give researchers and other eligible users access to specialist equipment, collections, and expert guidance.
This project reflects the University of Bradford’s strategy by showcasing innovation, collaboration, and societal impact. Using advanced heritage science tools, the research combines cutting-edge technology with public engagement, helping to protect and understand an important historical site.
By working in partnership with national organisations and local volunteers, the University demonstrates its commitment to creating knowledge that benefits communities and strengthens cultural heritage, aligning with its vision to make a positive difference regionally and globally.