The Roman Shore Forts Coastal Defences of Southern Britain

Examines the eleven Roman forts built along the coast from Brancaster in Norfolk to Portchester in Hampshire during the 3rd century AD. Traditionally labeled the "Forts of the Saxon Shore," these fortifications—such as Burgh Castle, Richborough, and Pevensey—were long thought to form a unified defensive system against Saxon raiders. However, Pearson challenges this narrative, suggesting they may have functioned primarily as military ports rather than a cohesive barrier, reflecting the logistical needs of a weakening Roman Empire amid internal strife and external threats.

The book details the forts’ construction, assessing the materials, manpower, and transport required, and considers how these demands were met given the 3rd-century coastline’s configuration. Pearson draws on archaeological evidence and recent research to explore their strategic placement at key estuaries and harbors, arguing their purpose evolved with changing coastal dynamics and Roman military priorities. The forts, some of the best-preserved Roman monuments in Britain, remained in use until the early 5th century when Roman forces withdrew.

While praised for its thoroughness and user-friendly approach, the book acknowledges the limits of evidence, with much relying on educated guesswork due to lost sites (e.g., Walton Castle, eroded by the sea) and incomplete records. It engages with scholarly debates, proposing that economic and trade functions may have rivaled their defensive role, a view that contrasts with the traditional focus on repelling invaders. This nuanced perspective makes it a valuable resource for those interested in late Roman Britain, though it assumes some familiarity with the period.