Stanwix

Stanwix, known in Roman times as Uxelodunum (or Petriana), was the largest fort on Hadrian's Wall, measuring approximately 177 by 213 metres and enclosing over 9 acres. It garrisoned the Ala Petriana, the only milliary cavalry unit in Britain, comprising 1,000 horsemen whose prefect held the highest rank among all wall garrison commanders. Originally built as a turf-and-timber fort, it was later reconstructed in stone. A signaling system connected it to York for rapid military communication. Excavations in 1984 revealed rampart footings now displayed at the Cumbria Park Hotel.