It seems likely that some sort of Roman military camp was established here at the lowest crossing point of the River Cree during the fifth campaign season of governor Agricola (c. AD 81) in order to facilitate operations in the Rhinns of Galloway, notably the planned build-up of troops for the abortive invasion of Ireland.

References for Newton Stewart

  • De Vita Julii Agricolae by Cornelius Tacitus, translated by M. Hutton (Harvard, 1970) chap.XXIV, verses.1-2;
  • Roman Britain and the Roman Navy by David J.F. Mason (Tempus, Stroud, 2003) figs.34/35 & supporting text.

Map References for Newton Stewart

NGRef: NX412656 OSMap: LR83

Roman Roads near Newton Stewart

Possible Coastal Route: SE (18) to Gatehovse Of Fleet (Dumfries & Galloway) Possible Military Road: WSW (14) to Glenlvce (Dumfries & Galloway)

Sites near Newton Stewart