The soldiers who manned Hadrian's Wall were permanently based at nearby forts and milecastles and were probably stationed on the wall for only short periods of time. Here you can see the 'broad' Wall nearly 3 metres thick, built as originally intended. Notice how the turret is recessed into the thickness of the Wall. The turrets were very basic and were designed for temporary accommodation only.

Just inside the doorway, is a stone base. Soldiers put a ladder on this to get to the upper floor and the wall-walk.

Built into the floor is a hearth where the soldiers warmed themselves and cooked. They had a varied diet, eating bread, soup, meat, fish, fruit and vegetables, and drinking ale and wine.

The Military zone extended from a deep ditch on the north side of Hadrian's Wall to a ditch flanked by earth mounds, the Vallum, which runs along the south of the Wall. The Ditch and the vallum can be seen at various places along Hadrian's Wall but are no longer visible here.

In due course, a Roman road, now known as the Military Road was constructed south of the Wall to improve communication along its length.