Geograph - photograph every grid square

A life-size sculpture of a Roman Centurion carved from the trunk of a diseased and dying horse chestnut tree by Consett tree sculptor, Tommy Craggs, in October and November 2018, with money raised by a local group, 'Heddon Branches'.

The location is on the grass between the shops, Dingle Dell tea-room and the children's nursery NZ1366 : 'Posh Paws' replaces Heddon Post Office. The old village school on Towne Gate can be seen behind NZ1366 : The old school

The name comes from the Tenth Cohort of the Sixth Legion, Victrix (Conqueror), who are known to have built part of Hadrian's Wall in the Heddon area about 121 AD, as shown on a building stone found in the sector of the Wall in 1751 but now lost.

Hexham Courant 1st November 2018: Link
Hexham Courant 28th November 2018: Link

"I march alone and gaze afar
across these windswept glades
for sight of those this wall to breach
the hoards who would invade

Though far from home I tread this wall
with hardships yet untold
though days are long and winters cold
its beauty in my soul

Marching men with boots on earth
the sound of thunder brings
faint lights from distant fortress guide
to shelter winter winds

One dawn did break I left this land
no lesson more to learn
though time had chosen I would leave
I vowed I would return

And now once more I cast my gaze
beyond a distant plain
and in this place and from this tree
stood proud I shall remain"

'I Am Victrix' by Edmund McGough (displayed in the window of NZ1366 : The Dell (Café, Bar & Bistro), Taberna Close, Heddon on the Wall) Archive Link