This is the site of the Roman fort of Binchester. It stands on an area of flat land overlooking the River Wear, and guarded the point where it was crossed by the Roman road known as Dere Street. Much of the site is covered in grass, and part of the site has been destroyed by the river. The first mid 1st century fort was built of wood, but was replaced in stone and wood. It was rebuilt in the 3rd and 4th centuries AD. The remaining ramparts can be clearly seen as earthworks, and stones are visible in one or two places. The surrounding ditch is also visible in many places. The remains of the central road can also be seen as a slight bank. This is a Scheduled Ancient Monument protected by law. Public access beyond the visitor centre is not permissible except with the express permission of landowners. The site of Binchester (VINOVIA) Roman fort. Roman occupation of the site began in the early Flavian period (69-75 AD) and continued throughout the Roman period and into the 5th century. The fort was established to guard the river crossing of Dere Street, the main Roman road running from York to Corbridge. The fort covers an area of 4 to 4.5 hectares and there are remains of a large associated vicus (civil settlement). The remains survive as earthworks and a small excavated area of the well-preserved remains of the commanding officer”s baths-suite is on permanent public display. Parts of the south-eastern ramparts of the fort survive as earthworks, however landslips have destroyed large parts of the south west side and part of the vicus. Binchester Hall and Binchester Hall Farm were built on top of the north edge of the fort.Excavations carried out since 2009 as part of the Durham-Stanford Research Project have revealed well preserved remains of late Roman/ sub-Roman stratigraphy. The extensive remains of the vicus, to the east of the fort as well as either side of Dere Street to the north-west and south-east, have also been identified through geophysical survey.