Mamucium is the name of the Lost Fort of the Romans in the Castlefield area of Manchester. It is hard to believe that in the backdrop of the modern Beetham Tower, the tallest tower of the city, there can lie the ancient ruins of a Roman Fortress. To be honest, not much is left to see of this fort. But, the very fact that the stones are being preserved and the area is protected from further damage to conserve whatever is left of this heritage is commendable. It is this that makes, Mamucium an important site to visit in Manchester.
Castlefield is a wonder in the middle of the modern city. Its inception was due to the influence of Roman culture on Manchester. It proudly marks the presence of the city’s canal system and railway tracks amidst a serene surroundings of The Museum of Science and Industry, The Beetham tower , Roman Gardens and a host of restaurants and pubs. Exploring this area would take you back through the pages of History.
This is a photograph of the Roman Gardens. This area was supposed to have been holding together a Roman Fortress also called the Mamucium. Today, the place holds the ruins of the fort, although some parts of it have been reconstructed to make it look like what it must have looked years ago.
This rock statue of these three sheeps is one of a kind, and probably one of the last ones remaining on grounds.
This information board tells us about the history of the North Gate of the Fort. This is the gate that features in all my photographs. It also explains how the society is trying to conserve some of the last remaining original stones of this fortress.
A closer view of the North Gate. The road leading to the gate was very slippery and muddy.
I personally advise people to wear proper boots or at least sturdy shoes while visiting this place. This is because, in Manchester it rains nearly everyday; you never know when you will be greeted by snowfall; the area is surrounded by a lawn which is watered everyday turning the ground muddy and slippery.
The gates and the building above it are reconstructed versions, so is the wall on the right. But towards the left where you see the wall of bricks disintegrating is the interesting part of the structure. If you notice the wall has two distinct colours. The reddish one is of the reconstructed bricks while the more blackish- greenish ones are of the original bricks used to build this fortress.
A little walk through these doors would lead you to the Manchester Canals.
The Overlooking Windows
This is a closer view of the building. The ramparts with two windows overlooking the place.
This stone slab has been preserved. The markings on it are original. This has not been reconstructed anyhow.
A side view of the structure from the streets.
A winding path
This is a beautiful winding path that I found while leaving the grounds. I liked the look of it so I clicked it.
On the entrance to the mamucium grounds is a famous pub called the White Lion (Photograph Below). This photo was taken outside it. On one side are apartment buildings and the other side leads to the Castlefield canal system. In fact, you can actually get a drink , sit on the benches and admire the ancient ruins under the overarching modernism of the Beetham Tower .
Stone Street
On leaving the Mamucium Grounds you come across Stone Street which is the main parking lot of the place and hosts a series of apartment buildings. Further down , on your right is the Museum of Science and Industry (Look out for a post coming soon enough) and on the left are some amazing restaurants.
Just a little tip, though this place is amazing, I recommend to come here with a group of friends and not alone. This place is mostly deserted especially in the evenings , thus it would be wise to come with a group.
Mamucium is special in many ways and should be visited once, maybe just for sightseeing , admiration, to relive history or to soak in the essence of ancientness preserved in the modern world.
I am leaving you with a video of the place . If you have not been there, this is good place to visit once.
by Subhadrika Sen 
Such a beautiful history. I didn’t know anything about Mamucium. I would love for my wife and I to visit the place, if given the opportunity.
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You should come and have a look whenever you are in Manchester.
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I love reading about different places and I like your style that you don’t put the whole city in one post but concentrate on various sights and tell more interesting details š
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Thanks š
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This was a really interesting read! I love finding out new historical facts, it’s fascinating!
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Thanks. Do check back for more such reads. š
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It is interesting how in the middle of the city you can find signs of a civilization from 2000 years ago. And it’s good that they are in the attention of the council and have been rebuilt. It’s all part of the history.
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Yeah. i think its heritage and should be restored.
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The Romans were the second most advanced Ancient civilization in my opinion after the Ancient Egyptians and the skills they possessed was incredible. They taught us British how to be hygienic lol .
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Hehehehe LOL š
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i am big fan of Roman history, but never cam across Mamucium….very interesting read! Would love to explore sometime!
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Thanks. š Glad you liked it.
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Castle’s always fascinated me to know more about the fairy-tale stories behind it! Thanks for sharing about your visit and amazing pictures with us!
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Thanks š Glad you liked it .
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Very interesting. I never gave Manchester much thought (I live in Western Canada), so it is cool to know it had Roman roots!
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This sounds like a great place to explore. I would definitely have to stop at the White Lion Pub for a little while.
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What a beautiful place. I would love to sit on those benches and read a book and take in the ambiance of the whole area. I love the bricks!
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Oh, what an interesting place to visit! I LOVE going to see things like this. I really like the 3 sheep statue!
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Thats my fav too. š
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Omg this must of been such a great time! I majored in history in school so stuff like this just fascinates me
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i liked history though i never got good grades š . I think the best part of travel is to dig out the past of every place.
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Even though the fortress has been destructed it’s pleasant to see bits and pieces of it ! It really shows that once it was actually there, it’s reconnecting us to our culture and history š loved it
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Absolutely ! Very well put . š
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what a great review! thanks for sharing the history. I’d love to go see it some day, it’s important to travel and witness history like this personally! looks like an amazing experience : )
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Yes, it was an amzing experience. š You should try it too.
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what a wonderful place! Love to visit next time I’m in Manchester š
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Sure, you should have a look. š
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I feel ashamed to have not known the history of this area when it’s right on my doorstep! When reading the title of this post I would never have thought it would be based on an area I can practically see from my window, so thank you for the insightful reading, I’m going to go and have a wander there next time the sunshine is out!
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Not many people know it as the Mamucium. They usually call it the Roman Gardens. I got a bit confused as well while I was researching. But then when I went there and saw the place, things became clearer.
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What an amazing adventure! Would love to travel one day and see these parts of the world!
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š
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Great article! I like the fact you included the video too. I always find it interesting to see ruins from many years ago still in place and intact. The Romans sure knew how to build š
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Absolutely! They sure knew what they did. š
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Intresting! but a query! are those stone ships newly installed or were they thr
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The rectangular ones? they were already there. These are the remains of the original ones. The Fort though, is mostly reconstructed except the blackish-green brick walls.
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