From 45 to 75 AD a Roman settlement was established where Exeter now stands and it is likely that a landing area on or near the red sandstone shelf in the vicinity of the current Quay House was in use. The Romans are judged to have used Topsham as their main port, but with the River Exe being tidal, it is likely that they brought boats up as far as the western edge of the fort and later town that existed into the 4th century. They are also thought to have built a wooden bridge across the Exe, using stone piers to support it. It is also possible that they dug out leats and installed mill wheels along the eastern bank of the river, under the protection of their fort.