Roman Castleford - Wakefield Museums and Castles

Ancient Roman amphorae and statues on open display

Roman Castleford

Castleford began as an ancient fort built by the Roman Army. The Romans knew it as Lagentium.

A civilian town grew up around the fort and continued to prosper even after the army left.

Roman Castleford became an important manufacturing centre making luxury goods. It was also a key stop in the Roman Empire's messaging network.

Dig deeper into Castleford's Roman roots. Discover some of the incredible things they left behind.

Find out more

Artist's impression of a busy normal day in the ancient Roman fort town of Lagentium

Lagentium: what's in a name?

Ever wondered how we found out what the Romans called Castleford? The truth is we can’t be entirely sure.

An artist's impression of what the fort at Lagentium might have looked like

Discovering Lagentium

Discover the fascinating story of Castleford's past as the Roman fort and settlement Lagentium.

Close-up of part of an ancient Roman stamped terracotta tile with 'C IIII G' on it

Roman stamped tile

Find out what this tile reveals about the Roman fort at Castleford.

Six assorted Roman gemstones featuring designs of animals and deities

Roman gems from Castleford

Discover some real gems found in excavations of Roman Castleford. They formed part of Ian Marshman's PhD survey.

Artist's impression of a busy Roman workshop, filled with fire, smoke and noise

Made in Castleford

Castleford was an important manufacturing centre in the Roman period. Explore the many things Made in Castleford by the Romans.

Close-up of a stone with two simple female heads carved into it

Nymph stone

Find out about these mysterious nymphs and their importance to Roman soldiers.

Close-up of broken ancient spoon moulds, the indentations blackened by having molten bronze poured into them

Roman spoon moulds

These spoon moulds help us understand Castleford’s important place in the Roman empire.

Artist's impression of a Roman bath house, with men having massages and different 'spa' treatments

The bath house

Bathing was an important part of Roman life. The Romans took this enthusiasm for bathing all across their Empire, including to Castleford.

A mannequin in replica ancient Roman armour and ancient Roman amphorae and statues at Castleford Museum

How to: clean archaeology displays

Find out how we clean the open archaeological displays at Castleford Museum.

A red Roman samian ware bowl with a natural scene

How to: date pottery

Find out how to tell the age of certain types of pottery with our handy guide.