Roman Lead Sling Shot Bullets
Besides the gravestone, the most important piece of evidence to indicate conflict inside the Roman fort is the lead sling shot bullets. They were found across all 20th century excavations, but there are two different types – regular and irregular (as shown in the photo). Seven more bullets were discovered in 2023 by the Trimontium Trust and Edinburgh University.
Evidence of the Romans mining lead-
A lead smelter dated AD135 was excavated in Carlisle, where the lead ore was identified to have come from the Alston area or Central Lakes including Caldbeck. Melted lead has also been found at the Roman encampment at Caermot near Bassenthwaite and a Roman vat of lead was found at Ireby raising the possibility of mining on the Caldbeck Fells. Clouds Mine, on the slopes of Wild Boar Fell near Ravenstondale, is reputed to have been worked by the Romans too.
Consequently, it is inconceivable that the Romans did not exploit the mineral deposits in Cumbria, and this gives the possibility of the lead sling bullets found at Ambleside Roman Fort having been manufactured from lead ore mined locally. It is possible that we can identify the mine that the lead ore came from, and this is now the subject of ongoing research following the Trimontium Trust and Edinburgh University’s investigations.
With thanks to Warren Allison from Cumbria Amenity Trust Mining History Society (CATMHS) for this history, and students at Durham University for the photo.