Page 8 - Illustrated Reditch History

The Romans Were Here

Nearly 2,000 years ago, in 43AD, the Romans invaded. Worcestershire was attacked
in the years 50AD to 80AD. The Romans came to this area because they were
attracted by the salt springs at Droitwich. Salt was very important to the Romans
as they used it in several ways, for example to preserve their food. From Droitwich
two major Roman roads were built to take the salt, one south to Birmingham and
onwards and another north to Lichfield and beyond. Sometimes, you would see
Roman legions marching along the road.
The Romans began draining the land at Osmerley (Redditch) so that they could grow
crops there. They built a Roman road known as Icknield Street along the edge of
the site. This was an important trade route with travellers carrying salt and other
goods to and from Droitwich. If you look on a map of the Midlands you can still see
the line of the road. It goes from Droitwich to Alcester then along the A435
Birmingham Road to Studley. Here the road goes straight northwards through Ipsley
to Moons Moat and Church Hill then Beoley. In some places it’s still known as Icknield
Street.

The Roman soldiers were very proud of their roads.
“We soldiers and some locals built the first roads in Britain. We made the
roads straight, so we didn’t have so far to march and our enemies couldn’t
hide behind a corner and jump out on us. You could use our roads whatever
the weather, as the roads sloped either side down from the middle to ditches
on either side. This allowed the rain to drain away and not make the road too
muddy. The road had several layers. The foundation
contained a layer of rubble with stones which were laid
in such a way as to provide drainage. A layer of sand
or gravel and sand was laid on the foundation. The
surface was made from gravel or flint and small broken
stones. The top paved area was edged with upright
stones to keep the stones in place.

After the Romans left in AD 410 Britain
was defenceless. England was invaded
by Saxons, then Vikings. The roads fell
into disrepair. Some of the invaders
settled here so that England became a
country of small kingdoms all at war with
each other.”

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