Maryport

Maryport lies approximately 5 miles north-west of the Lake District National Park [1]. It includes the site of the Roman settlement of Alauna [1]. Evidence for Final Palaeolithic and Mesolithic occupation was found at Netherhall Road [1]. The town was established around 122 AD as one of several Roman localities called Alauna [1]. It was a command and supply base for the coastal defences at the western extremity of Hadrian's Wall [1]. The town contains substantial remains of the Roman fort, which was the last in a series that stretched southwards along the coast from the wall to prevent it being avoided by crossing the Solway Firth [1]. Geomagnetic surveys have revealed a large Roman town surrounding the fort [1].