The Roman Period (43 AD to 410 AD)

Two early Roman coins (copies shown) have been found just outside the eastern Parish boundary along with an early Roman broach plus a few sherds of Romano-British Greyware (01 - SMR various) have been found in the Parish. However, in nearby Stalham and Smallburgh there is far more evidence by way of artefacts found (01 - SMR various) that indicate a significant Roman presence in these areas. After the Roman invasion of 43AD it is known that Emperor Claudius received the submission of King Antedios of the Iceni tribe who’s territory covered modern Norfolk and it became a puppet kingdom but that in 47AD the Romans put down a minor rebellion of the tribe who refused to be disarmed.

King Prasutagus (taken from a coin)

In 60AD the then King of the Iceni (named Prasutagus) died and a disagreement arose between the tribe and the Romans regarding his property. In retribution the Romans proceeded to pillage the local countryside and evict the Iceni aristocracy plus publicly flog the late King's widow (named Boudica) and rape his two daughters. Incensed at this the Iceni plus other tribes rose up and lead by Boudica nearly drove the Romans out of Briton (02 - pages 29 to 42). The up-rising eventually failed and the casualties inflicted on the Iceni by the Romans during (and after) the up-rising may have significantly weakened the local population for years afterwards.

Roman map of the area.

A Roman road existed between Brampton and Smallburgh (02 - page 73), maybe for the transportation of goods (greyware pottery) to and from a possible Roman jetty (with the remains of a 'boat like structure') found at Smallburgh which due to the higher sea level at that time may have accommodated sea-going vessels. A possible route existed between Stalham and 'Shore Fort' at Caister. There is a known mosaic floor in the general area plus numerous Roman pottery sherds, coins and other ‘rich’ Roman artefacts (01 - SMR various) that have been found in the area (of which 99% of the dateable artefacts are pre 210AD). Around 200AD the Angles, Saxons and Frisians from northern Germany and Holland started to raid Roman Norfolk (02 - page 82) and if this area of Norfolk was partially abandoned by the Romans it could explain why most of the dateable Roman artefacts found date from before this time. A Roman lookout station was positioned at Happisburgh. As the Roman empire broke down more and more troops were withdrawn from Britain to fight in civil wars and military coups abroad until in 410AD the emperor Honorius finally abandoned Britain (02 - page 85).

Return to Main Menu