Stane Street: Ancient Roman Road
Stane Street is the modern name of the 55-mile-long ancient Roman road in southern England that linked London to Chichester.
The historic Stane Street, also known as Roman Road, once connected the Roman port of Chichester (Noviomagus Reginorum) on the south coast of England to the Roman town of London (Londinium).
This remarkable feat of engineering and planning dates back to the 1st century AD and remains a testament to Roman ingenuity.
The construction of Stane Street is attributed to the Romans, who occupied Britain from AD 43 to the early 5th century.
They built this road with precision, using a foundation of flint and gravel topped with well-laid stone slabs.
It was an essential route for the Romans, enabling the efficient movement of troops, goods, and information between London and the southern coastal regions.
Stane Street exemplifies the engineering principles employed by the Romans in constructing roads.
A direct route from London Bridge to Chichester would have necessitated steep ascents over the North Downs, Greensand Ridge, and South Downs.
Hence, the road was strategically planned to utilise a natural opening in the North Downs formed by the River Mole, bypassing the elevated terrain of Leith Hill to the east.
It then traversed flatter terrain in the River Arun valley towards Pulborough.
The initial 12 miles stretch from London to Ewell followed the straight survey line.
Throughout its course, the road remains within 6 miles of the direct path from London Bridge to Chichester.
It wasn't merely a military highway; it was also a conduit for trade and commerce.
Along its course, settlements and villas sprang up, driven by the economic opportunities the road presented.
Traders transported various goods, including pottery, wine, and other luxury items, fostering a thriving Roman economy in the region.
Despite the Roman withdrawal from Britain, Stane Street continued to influence the landscape and development of southern England.
Over time, it became a template for medieval roads and settlements, with many towns and villages growing along its route.
In some areas, the original Roman roadbed can still be seen, preserved beneath layers of history.
Posting stations on Stane Street
In Britain, posting stations, also known as mansiones, were established at regular intervals along Roman roads, typically every 9.3–12.4 miles.
These stations served as places where official messengers could change horses and travellers could take rest. They were typically rectangular fortified sites covering about 1 ha (2.5 acres) in area.
Mansiones have been identified along Stane Street at Alfoldean and Hardham, both located near crossing points of the River Arun.
The Alfoldean mansio, partially covered by the A29 road, was investigated in 2006 by the Channel 4 archaeological television programme Time Team.
Excavations uncovered the remains of a two-storey mansion built around a courtyard, as well as numerous other buildings.
The site was surrounded by substantial ramparts and ditches measuring 4 m (13 ft) wide and deep, dating back to around 90 AD based on pottery finds.
By the mid-third century, the ditches had been filled in.
The team concluded that the site likely served as an administrative and taxation centre for the iron industry in the Wealden region.
Given its length, Stane Street would be expected to have had two further mansiones.
Stations at Merton Priory and Dorking are considered most likely, based on the distances between them, though the remains would now be hidden under modern development.
Decline of the road
The strategic significance of Stane Street seems to have diminished during the latter part of the Roman presence in Britain.
It is believed that the mansio at Hardham fell out of use by the close of the second century AD, and notably, the road is not mentioned in the third-century Antonine Itinerary.
Instead, the favoured route from Chichester to London appeared to be via Winchester.
Nonetheless, Stane Street retained its importance as a trade route until at least the early fourth century, facilitating the transportation of various goods, such as pottery from Rowlands Castle.
The road saw limited use and was likely quarried in the years following the end of Roman governance to provide local construction materials.
Especially where the path crossed Weald Clay, extraction of the upper surface likely made the road impassable during wetter seasons, leading to its subsequent eradication through ploughing or urban expansion.
Today, Stane Street offers a unique opportunity to walk in the footsteps of ancient Romans, providing a tangible connection to the past.
Several sections of the road have been preserved or repurposed as walking and cycling routes, allowing modern travellers to trace the path of this ancient highway.
Notable Sites along Stane Street include:
Chichester: Start your journey in Chichester, where Stane Street begins.
Explore the city's Roman history, including the remains of a Roman bathhouse.
Bignor Roman Villa: Just off Stane Street, you'll find Bignor Roman Villa, one of Britain's best-preserved Roman villas, boasting intricate mosaic floors.
London: Conclude your journey in the heart of London, where Stane Street leads you to the capital's vibrant history and modern-day wonders.
As you explore its remnants and follow its path, remember that you are walking in the footsteps of those who shaped the course of history along this storied route.
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