For most folk, mention of Hadrian's Wall will conjure up images of the ancient structure that winds its way through the rolling countryside of Northumberland.
But, on the 1,900th anniversary of the Roman-built marvel, a new film tells how the Wall once ran straight through the area that over time would develop into the vibrant town and later city of Newcastle. The film titled Gannin’ Alang The Wall: The Romans Went This Way follows the real route of Hadrian’s Wall from the fort of Segedunum just outside the eastern boundary of the city, through the heart of Newcastle, reaching Heddon just beyond its western boundary.
The film is not a straightforward documentary, although it is historically accurate. It is also light-hearted but also raises serious questions about the impact of invasion and occupation.
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It follows the route of Hadrian's Wall through Newcastle in relation to the modern city by filming scenes along the route. Along the way, we meet Roman soldiers marching down Shields Road, eating pasties from Greggs, and admiring the motorcycles on Westgate Road. (Watch a clip from the 35-minute film at the top of the story).
We encounter native Britons complaining about the impact of the Roman occupation on their lives, and modern-day residents who are immensely proud of the Roman heritage. Around 100 people of different ages took part in the film, bringing to life scenes at different points along the 12-mile route of the Wall, and making it a genuine community project.
Judith Green, from the Newcastle West End community organisation St James’ Heritage & Environment Group, is the director of Gannin’ Alang the Wall . She says: " We are fortunate in the West End in having several Roman remains still standing, including sections of the Wall, a temple, and a vallum crossing. Other parts of Newcastle have no visible remains left today, but Hadrian’s Wall is still an important part of their story.
"We learned so much ourselves about the route of the Wall while making the film, and we want to share this with others. The film is intended to increase awareness of the actual route of the Wall through places such as Byker, Denton Burn and Walbottle."
For St James' Heritage & Environment Group, one of the main motives in making the film was to encourage people's awareness of the 'real route' of the Wall. Most folk, when they think about Hadrian's Wall, will think about maybe Vindolanda or Housesteads, but have little clue that the Wall actually ran through the heart of Newcastle. It even went under the castle.
The route is arguably less scenic than the one which runs through rural Northumberland, but it is nevertheless an important part of Newcastle's heritage and, many believe, ought to be better recognised with, for example, a signposted heritage route right through the city showing where the Wall went.
Roger Parnell, of Walbottle Village Residents Association, says: "It would be wonderful for Hadrian's Wall Path to actually follow the route of Hadrian's Wall through Newcastle. Walkers miss so much history by deviating alongside the river for the first 10 miles."
Ruth Taylor, a development worker at Pendower Good Neighbour Project, adds: "We are very proud of the Roman heritage of Pendower. The route of Hadrian’s Wall runs along the northern boundary of the estate, but how many people know that this is where the Wall really went?"
Chris Jackson, of Heaton Local History Group, points out: “Few people realise that the route of the Wall runs right through the East End of the city, including down the length of Shields Road.”
Maria Baranowska, communications officer at the Ouseburn Trust, says: "Often it's the hidden heritage that sparks the most intrigue. Although the route of Hadrian's Wall ran through Byker and Ouseburn, not many locals or visitors are aware of this particular chapter in the area's past."
Jim Sadler, a Newcastle West End resident, took part in Gannin’ Alang the Wall. He says: “My wife Anne and I have lived on Condercum Estate for 44 years. Living approximately 20 metres from the Temple of Antenociticus, 80metres from the vallum and 50 metres from the Roman fort site makes us feel immensely proud. There should be more signage and artefacts indicating the actual site of Hadrian’s Wall and settlements. We fully support any efforts to restore the true path of the Roman Wall to its actual location.”
Gannin’ Alang the Wall was supported by Newcastle City Council and is St James’ Heritage & Environment Group's contribution to the Hadrian 1900 Festival. The group hopes to share the film as widely as possible during this year of the Hadrian 1900 celebration.
It is freely available for showing by other interested organisations, provided that they let St James’ Heritage & Environment Group know in advance. It can be viewed via a link on the group's website stjamesheritage.com - and DVD copies can be obtained for the purpose of showings to audiences. Email stjamesbenwell@gmail.com for more details.
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