I WAS told that Eling was the first settlement of the Romans in a talk given by a member of Southampton Historial Society (Letters, July 18).

This would be in keeping with Roman miltary tactics of fast fortifications. Eling would be a logical site of both a shore fort and hill fort.

The period over which Bitterne developed post 60AD was an extremely difficult one for the Romans because of an extensive rebellion.

The records of the period are very confused. It would take time for that settlement to be developed and would still need to be defended.

I would be indebited if anyone could throw further light on this matter. All the more reason to apply for museum status for the Heritage Centre.

PATRICK COOPER-DUFFY, Eling.