The Forgotten Roman Road
The Issue
The Forgotten Roman Road Beneath Your Feet
Stand on Ridgeway in Newport and look around. Before you stretch magnificent views across the Severn Estuary, the rolling hills of Monmouthshire and, on a clear day, as far as the Brecon Beacons. It is more than a beautiful viewpoint. It is a place of peace, a haven for wildlife and one of Newport's most treasured landscapes, enjoyed every day by walkers, cyclists, families and nature lovers.
Now look down. Beneath your feet lies the route of a Roman road almost 2,000 years old.
Researchers believe this was part of Iter XII, the great Roman road linking the legionary fortress at Caerleon with West Wales. Roman soldiers, traders and officials once travelled this very ridge, chosen for its high, dry ground and commanding views. Historic maps, archaeology and aerial evidence all point to this remarkable route. Yet almost nothing tells visitors what lies beneath their feet. Every day, hundreds of people walk, cycle and run along one of the most significant Roman routes in Wales without ever knowing it. Children grow up unaware that local history is literally beneath their feet. Our heritage is lost not only when monuments are destroyed. It is also lost when history is forgotten.
Unless the Roman road across Ridgeway is recognised, interpreted and celebrated, its story risks disappearing from public memory. Newport City Council and Cadw have the opportunity to change that by supporting interpretation boards, heritage trails, educational resources and stronger protection for this important archaeological landscape. This is about more than an ancient road. It is about preserving Newport's story, strengthening civic pride, inspiring future generations and celebrating a remarkable piece of Welsh heritage.
We call on Newport City Council to recognise, protect and promote the Roman Road across Ridgeway through heritage interpretation, planning protection, education and partnership with Cadw and local historians.
Please sign this petition and help preserve the memory of the Roman road beneath our feet.
31
The Issue
The Forgotten Roman Road Beneath Your Feet
Stand on Ridgeway in Newport and look around. Before you stretch magnificent views across the Severn Estuary, the rolling hills of Monmouthshire and, on a clear day, as far as the Brecon Beacons. It is more than a beautiful viewpoint. It is a place of peace, a haven for wildlife and one of Newport's most treasured landscapes, enjoyed every day by walkers, cyclists, families and nature lovers.
Now look down. Beneath your feet lies the route of a Roman road almost 2,000 years old.
Researchers believe this was part of Iter XII, the great Roman road linking the legionary fortress at Caerleon with West Wales. Roman soldiers, traders and officials once travelled this very ridge, chosen for its high, dry ground and commanding views. Historic maps, archaeology and aerial evidence all point to this remarkable route. Yet almost nothing tells visitors what lies beneath their feet. Every day, hundreds of people walk, cycle and run along one of the most significant Roman routes in Wales without ever knowing it. Children grow up unaware that local history is literally beneath their feet. Our heritage is lost not only when monuments are destroyed. It is also lost when history is forgotten.
Unless the Roman road across Ridgeway is recognised, interpreted and celebrated, its story risks disappearing from public memory. Newport City Council and Cadw have the opportunity to change that by supporting interpretation boards, heritage trails, educational resources and stronger protection for this important archaeological landscape. This is about more than an ancient road. It is about preserving Newport's story, strengthening civic pride, inspiring future generations and celebrating a remarkable piece of Welsh heritage.
We call on Newport City Council to recognise, protect and promote the Roman Road across Ridgeway through heritage interpretation, planning protection, education and partnership with Cadw and local historians.
Please sign this petition and help preserve the memory of the Roman road beneath our feet.
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Petition created on 27 July 2026