Gents Mag 1853 part 1 p.180

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	Gentleman's Magazine 1853 part 1 p.180 [testi]mony cannot be allowed to weigh against the remains as they now exist, and the conclusions deduced from a careful examination of them. Hodgson, the illustrious historian of Northumberland, gave more time and attention to the subject than any one since the days of Horsley, and he came slowly, and in spite of prejudices, to the belief that Hadrian constructed at one and the same time the stone wall, with its ditch on the north and the earthern vallum to the south. In any other point of view they were to him unsatisfactory makeshifts, and misapplied and incomplete fortifications. Considered as one grand work they could be understood and admired as a consummate effort of engineering skill. The circumstances under which Hadrian visited Britain, and the inscriptions discovered along the line of the works, support this view. On the contrary, the insurrection of the Caledonians cost Severus 50,000 men, and it is probable he was hardly in a condition to have projected and completed a work requiring so much labour. But he evdiently did what many of his inscriptions prove; he repaired the fortifications, and probably strengthened them with additional castra. Mr. Bruce has surveyed and re-surveyed the Wall from end to end, conjoining with it a study of the inscriptions, and he arrives, in consequence, at the same conclusion as Hodgson. Mr. Bell does not, it appears to us, attempt to follow him in so extended a view of the question; and, with regard to inscriptions, confines himself to those of his own neighbourhood. In no respect are his objections to Mr. Bruce's theory conclusive, while most of his arguments are forcibly refuted in the reply. But truth is served by discussion, and, as Mr. Bell is evidently an ardent antiquary, we trust he will continue and extend his searches in co-operation with Mr. Bruce, who candidly acknowledges services rendered, and who evidently does not allow difference of opinion to lessen friendship.
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	-- Hadrian's Wall

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