Friends, Romans countrymen, lend us your ideas

The smaller fortlet can clearly be seen inside the larger fort area next to Castleshaw Reservoir

The future of Castleshaw’s Roman fort and fortlet high on the hills above Delph could be decided by local people.

They are being asked for their views on the nationally important Scheduled Monument after a north east group was commissioned to carry out consultations.

Northern Archaeological Associates, of Barnard Castle, wants to know what people feel about the site, what it means to them and how they use it.

They have been commissioned by the Castleshaw Working Party, which includes Oldham and Saddleworth Parish councils, and Saddleworth’s archaeological trust and historical society, as well as landowners United Utilities.

The first century fort, and a later fortlet, are at the side of Castleshaw Reservoir.

Penny Middleton, of Northern Archaeological Associates, said: “We are keen to understand just what is it that makes the site important to a wide range of people.

“In that way we can ensure that these aspects are protected and reflected in any future interpretation and conservation plans for the site.”

She said although the fortlet has been tidied up in recent years and checked over by the Greater Manchester Archaeological Unit, the larger fort area has not had attention since the beginning of the 20th century.

Excavation is one of the things they will look at she said and added: “The consultation is about a management plan which looks at all the issues involved — historical, archaeological, and aesthetic — and community consultation is part of that.”

The fort and fortlet are testimony to the force and governance of the Roman Imperial army, she added: “We are now beginning to understand how the first century fort, and later fortlet, formed part of an integrated landscape of conquest.

“On a more domestic level, discoveries are also being made about the day-to-day organisation and administration of the site, giving us a rare glimpse of what life might have been like for an ordinary auxiliary soldier posted to this bleak outpost on the edge of the empire.”

The questionnaire can be downloaded from the Watershed Landscapes website (www.watershedlandscape.co.uk) or email Penny at pm@naa.gb.com. All responses should be completed before the June 30.