Geltwood Roman Quarry

Click here for a larger image of the cliff face

Hugging the banks of the river Gelt is the most remarkable quarry that I have ever seen.

This Quarry was chiselled out by Roman Engineers 1800 years ago. The stone was either used to build or to repair the 70 mile long wall built by Emperor Hadrian shortly after 122AD. The wall is the largest Roman Monument in Europe, and has recently been designated a World Heritage Site. Looking at the size and grandure of this quarry truely brings home just how emense the wall is, and the amount of labour and money it must have taken to build.

All along the cliff face are the marks and chippings left by the quarrymen as they chiselled out the stones for the wall. The chisel marks seem to form a herringbone pattern and the first impression formed is that it is not a quarry but a large temple, it is an awe inspiring place, equally as impressive as the wall itself. And yet almost unknown to the tourist.