Mamucium: The Lost Roman Fortress

Mamucium is the name of the Lost Fort of the Romans in the Castlefield area of Manchester. It is hard to believe that in the backdrop of the modern Beetham Tower, the tallest tower of the city, there can lie the ancient ruins of a Roman Fortress. To be honest, not much is left to see of this fort. But, the very fact that the stones are being preserved and the area is protected from further damage to conserve whatever is left of this heritage is commendable. It is this that makes, Mamucium an important site to visit in Manchester.

Brief History of Castlefield

Castlefield is a wonder in the middle of the modern city. Its inception was due to the influence of Roman culture on Manchester. It proudly marks the presence of the city’s canal system and railway tracks amidst a serene surroundings of The Museum of Science and Industry, The Beetham tower , Roman Gardens and a host of restaurants and pubs. Exploring this area would take you back through the pages of History.

Ruin stones

This is a photograph of the Roman Gardens. This area was supposed to have been holding together a Roman Fortress also called the Mamucium. Today, the place holds the ruins of the fort, although some parts of it have been reconstructed to make it look like what it must have looked years ago.

Sentinels of the Fort Entrance

This rock statue of these three sheeps is one of a kind, and probably one of the last ones remaining on grounds.

The North Gate

This information board tells us about the history of the North Gate of the Fort. This is the gate that features in all my photographs. It also explains how the society is trying to conserve some of the last remaining original stones of this fortress.

Remnants of the Fort

A closer view of the North Gate. The road leading to the gate was very slippery and muddy.

I personally advise people to wear proper boots or at least sturdy shoes while visiting this place. This is because, in Manchester it rains nearly everyday; you never know when you will be greeted by snowfall; the area is surrounded by a lawn which is watered everyday turning the ground muddy and slippery.

The gates and the building above it are reconstructed versions, so is the wall on the right. But towards the left where you see the wall of bricks disintegrating is the interesting part of the structure. If you notice the wall has two distinct colours. The reddish one is of the reconstructed bricks while the more blackish- greenish ones are of the original bricks used to build this fortress.

A little walk through these doors would lead you to the Manchester Canals.

The Overlooking Windows

This is a closer view of the building. The ramparts with two windows overlooking the place.

Original markings

This stone slab has been preserved. The markings on it are original. This has not been reconstructed anyhow.

As seen from the lawn

A side view of the structure from the streets.

As seen from the lawn

A winding path

This is a beautiful winding path that I found while leaving the grounds. I liked the look of it so I clicked it.

From outside White Lion

On the entrance to the mamucium grounds is a famous pub called the White Lion (Photograph Below). This photo was taken outside it. On one side are apartment buildings and the other side leads to the Castlefield canal system. In fact, you can actually get a drink , sit on the benches and admire the ancient ruins under the overarching modernism of the Beetham Tower .

White Lion Pub

Stone Street

On leaving the Mamucium Grounds you come across Stone Street which is the main parking lot of the place and hosts a series of apartment buildings. Further down , on your right is the Museum of Science and Industry (Look out for  a post coming soon enough) and on the left are some amazing restaurants.

Just a little tip, though this place is amazing, I recommend to come here with a group of friends and not alone. This place is mostly deserted especially in the evenings , thus it would be wise to come with a group. 

Mamucium is special in many ways and should be visited once, maybe just for sightseeing , admiration, to relive history or to soak in the essence of ancientness preserved in the modern world.

I am leaving you with a video of the place . If you have not been there, this is good place to visit once.