11-09-2012, 06:21 PM
While we're on the subject of alternative sites, though (and to stop things getting too repetitive!), here's another:
(Specially for Mike Bishop, this one)
The South-East Route
Arriving in London with his ten thousand men, Paulinus rapidly realises that the Second legion are not going to join him. Unsure of the loyalties of Cogidubnus (or unwilling to spark revolt among the Atrebates by marching an army across their land), he pulls back across the river to Southwark and burns the bridge behind him. After marching south-east down Watling Street with the refugees, he camps just short of Rochester and summons the auxiliaries from Rochester itself and the Channel ports to join him.
However, rather than heading west or returning home after destroying London (Paulinus, perhaps, hoping to attack their rearguard), the Britons cross the Thamas at Staines and swing around along the south bank instead. They burn Southwark (there's some evidence for this) and keep going eastwards, into the fertile lands of Kent, closing in on Paulinus.
After considering making a stand on the Medway, Paulinus advances a few miles west and takes up a position on the high ground just north-east of Gravesham (which itself is north of Cobham)- Watling Street rises here onto the edge of the North Downs, with what looks like a valley between Randall Wood and Ashenbank Wood. Modern development makes it hard to see the lie of the land hereabouts, but I'm assuming the three little ponds there are ornamental lakes connected to the hotel and not original features...
Any takers for that idea then? :-)
(Specially for Mike Bishop, this one)
The South-East Route
Arriving in London with his ten thousand men, Paulinus rapidly realises that the Second legion are not going to join him. Unsure of the loyalties of Cogidubnus (or unwilling to spark revolt among the Atrebates by marching an army across their land), he pulls back across the river to Southwark and burns the bridge behind him. After marching south-east down Watling Street with the refugees, he camps just short of Rochester and summons the auxiliaries from Rochester itself and the Channel ports to join him.
However, rather than heading west or returning home after destroying London (Paulinus, perhaps, hoping to attack their rearguard), the Britons cross the Thamas at Staines and swing around along the south bank instead. They burn Southwark (there's some evidence for this) and keep going eastwards, into the fertile lands of Kent, closing in on Paulinus.
After considering making a stand on the Medway, Paulinus advances a few miles west and takes up a position on the high ground just north-east of Gravesham (which itself is north of Cobham)- Watling Street rises here onto the edge of the North Downs, with what looks like a valley between Randall Wood and Ashenbank Wood. Modern development makes it hard to see the lie of the land hereabouts, but I'm assuming the three little ponds there are ornamental lakes connected to the hotel and not original features...
Any takers for that idea then? :-)
Nathan Ross