Blackstone Edge

Blackstone Edge, Littleborough (visible remains of the Roman Road) (X:396500 Y:416500)

Introduction

One of the finest and most well crafted original sections of Roman road is preserved in-situ at Blackstone Edge near Littleborough (OS grid ref: SD9651).

Description

This section of a Roman road belongs to an artery which ran from the fort and settlement of Manchester (Mamucium) in the south to a small fort at Ilkley (Verbeia) in the north. This preserved surface is in outstanding condition and is well worth a visit. Accurately cut cobbles are set close to each other in a tight and regimented fashion. Unusually the road surface incorporates a carved stone drainage gulley in its surface, together with the common practice of cambering the road to run water into drainage ditches at the sides. The road is up to 6 metres across and can be traced in the landscape for some 2 miles.

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