The station of Cilurnum, containing five acres and a quarter, is the largest but one on the line of Hadrian's Wall. It guarded the bridge which connects the traffic on the two sides of the North Tyne, and it commanded the woody defile along which that river flows from the north to the south. It is situated in a fertile district, which would at all times attract a numerous population. During the period of Roman domination the forum of Cilurnum would be the resort of many seeking justice at the hands of the prefect, and of others who brought their wares to supply the wants of the garrison and the suburban population.