Benwell Fort (Condercum), Mansio

This was partially excavated in 1926-7 by J.A. Petch. The building originated as a simple 'barn-dwelling' or 'basilican villa' with a nave and two aisles. A large square room was formed at one end of the nave, and the north aisle was divided into rooms by cross walls. Pottery evidence suggests a date of c. A.D. 200. Three new rooms were later added to the east. The arrangement of these rooms suggests a probable vestibule flanked by porter's lodges. A stoke-hole was built against the north side of the building. It may have been a furnace or may have fed hot air into a flue. The date of these changes is unknown. The building was originally interpreted as a posting house for official travellers (mansio) - but was it an overnight stopping-place for those travelling by the imperial post or merely an inn set up as a private enterprise? It has also been suggested as an aisled barn or villa. The building measured at least 25 metres x 11 metres.