Magic lantern slide circa 1900.Victorian.Social History. Hadrian's Wall photographed features possible J.P.Gibson photographs around 1900. For around three centuries, Hadrian's Wall was a vibrant, multi-cultured frontier sprawling almost 80 miles coast-to-coast. Built by a force of 15,000 men in under six years, it's as astounding today for its sheer vision as it is for its engineering. Milecastles, barracks, ramparts and forts punctuate a diverse landscape that provides a dramatic backdrop. A lady sitting on the Roman wall reading a book