At most Saxon Shore forts there would be a water side being built on the shore. Here we are looking at two views of the the water side towers and gates. Often these would be right on the water with docks. In this case the shore is a little distance away.

Gates were the most difficult part of the fort to defend. In Caesar's time when the legions used marching camps the men stood in the gate ways. Here there are substantial towers and gates. The Angles, Saxon's and Jutes would have found burning or battering a gate in more easy than scaling or knocking down the walls. Consequently the attackers would assault the gate ways as you see here.

In the second row the first image is an overhead view of the most active of the gates where the bath and market place are located. The next two views show assault parties attacking with combustible fire wagons. These would be rolled up to the gates and set ablaze. Attackers would also hold their shields above their heads forming something like a testudo or shield wall. The last image is one which shows a sallie being made by the defenders. The soldiers rush out unexpectedly in a testudo or shield wall.