Piper Sike Turret, Brampton, Carlisle

Roman Site in Brampton, Carlisle

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Mike Quinn

Piper Sike Turret, also known as Turret 51A, was built just after 122 AD. It stands independent of the wall, abutting the wall structure. Excavations in 1927 and again in 1970 showed an inner platform against the north wall which was probably a living space. Remains of cooking hearths and rubbish deposits were found in several places about the turret interior. The turret was probably only used for a brief time; by the 2nd century, it was abandoned. The walls now stand to an average height of 0.8 metres.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.6 (7)

Piper Sike Turret 51a - Hadrian's Wall, located in Brampton CA8 2BX, is a modest but well-preserved turret along the Hadrian's Wall Trail that visitors find easy to reach on foot or by car; information boards explain its function, and excavations revealed an east-side entrance, a platform against the north wall and traces of cooking hearths and rubbish, while the site sits closely among other turrets and near the Birdoswald museum, offering a pleasant stretch of the wall path with nearby old structures to admire.

Pete / Hel

a year ago

"Part of UNESCOnTurret 51a Piper Sike is of the type normally associated with the Turf Wall, and later replaced in stone. The turret was excavated in1927 and again in 1970. The entrance was on the east side and a substantial platform against the north wall. Cooking hearths and rubbish were found spread over the rest of the turret...."

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Kathryn Hall

3 years ago

"Another lovely little turret to view on the Hadrian’s Wall Trail. As ever, there is an information board telling you the function of the turret. Wellworth a view and I was lucky to go on a su y day as well...."

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Mychael Kostiuk

a year ago

"A good example of a Hadrian Wall Turret. Easily assessable by Hadrian Wall Walkers or automobile."

The Piper Sike Turret appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Brampton, Carlisle!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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