Have you ever contemplated booking a tour to unearth the hidden Roman ruins beneath the bustling city of London? This guide will assist you in navigating these subterranean marvels of history. London, the modern metropolis, still holds a rich tapestry of Roman history, waiting to be discovered. The great city of London was once a Roman settlement known as Londinium, and traces of its ancient past are scattered throughout the city. In the heart of this bustling metropolis lie remnants of a glorious era, hidden beneath concrete and cobblestones. This guide will provide you with all the necessary information to book a guided tour of the UK’s underground Roman sites.
Unraveling the Roman History of London
Before embarking on your Roman tour adventure, it’s essential to get acquainted with the city’s rich Roman past. The Romans founded Londinium in AD 43, and for the next four centuries, it served as a significant commercial center in the Roman Empire. What’s left today are remnants of a once-thriving civilization, hidden beneath the city’s modern infrastructure. The Roman wall, the Tower of London, and the underground Roman amphitheater are some of the notable remnants of this era.
Your first step should be to connect with a local guide. Many guides in London specialize in Roman history and are extremely knowledgeable about the city’s underground sites. There are many companies providing guided tours of these sites, offering a variety of packages that cater to different budgets and preferences. These tours are typically walking tours, allowing you to tread the same paths that Romans once walked centuries ago.
Booking Your Guided Tour
Booking a Roman tour in London is a straightforward process. Various agencies and tour operators offer a range of tours, from group tours to private tours. A private tour can offer a more personalized experience, allowing you to delve deeper into the history and intricacies of each site.
Most tour operators have websites where you can browse through the different tour options, check availability, and book online. Some popular tour operators include ‘London Walks’, ‘Context Travel’, and ‘Museum Tours’. These operators offer various tours, including guided tours of the London Wall, the underground Roman amphitheater, and many other Roman sites around the city.
Exploring the Sites
Your guided tour will take you on a journey through some of the most remarkable Roman sites in London. The London Wall, a defensive wall built by the Romans around Londinium, is one of the city’s most prominent Roman remains. Some parts of the wall are still visible today, providing a stark contrast to the modern cityscape.
Another impressive site is the Roman amphitheater, discovered underground during the construction of the Guildhall Art Gallery. This amphitheater could accommodate around 6,000 spectators in its heyday, a testament to Londinium’s size and importance in the Roman Empire.
Venturing Beyond London
While London is rich in Roman history, other cities in the UK also have their share of Roman sites. Bath, known as Aquae Sulis in Roman times, is famous for its well-preserved Roman Baths. You can also explore the underground Roman Palace in Fishbourne, the largest residential Roman building discovered in Britain.
Booking a tour to these sites will follow a similar process to the one described for London. Your guide will provide you with all the necessary details regarding logistics and history, ensuring a smooth and enlightening visit.
Whether you’re a history aficionado or simply a curious traveler, embarking on a guided tour of the UK’s underground Roman sites will offer a unique and unforgettable experience. So, take a step back in time, delve into the heart of Rome, and unravel the ancient secrets that lie beneath the bustling streets of London.
A Walk Through Time: Iconic Roman Sites
In your exploration of the Roman London, several sites stand out for their historical significance and the remarkable state of their preservation. Some of these are in the heart of the city, nestled between modern buildings, while others require a short commute.
Starting with the London Wall, the ancient city wall that once defended Londinium from invaders is still visible in certain parts of London. A walking tour along the wall will reveal the old Roman gates at Aldgate, Bishopsgate, and Cripplegate. A few strides away, the Tower of London, although a predominantly medieval fortress, was built within a corner of the ancient Roman city walls of Londinium.
The London Mithraeum is another site of note. Discovered during post-war rebuilding in 1954, it’s a Roman temple dedicated to the god Mithras. The site has been restored to its original Roman ground level seven meters below the modern surface.
A fifteen-minute walk from the Mithraeum will lead you to the ruins of the Roman Amphitheatre in Guildhall Yard. Hidden beneath the Guildhall Art Gallery, the amphitheatre was once capable of seating up to 7,000 spectators and is a phenomenal showcase of Roman Britain.
Not far from the city, a short journey across the iconic London Bridge will take you to an exceptional example of Roman engineering – the Roman Wall at Tower Hill. The surviving section of the defensive wall offers a fascinating glimpse into the past.
Visiting the Museums
While walking tours are an incredible way to experience the city, visiting the British Museum will take your understanding of Roman London to a whole new level. It houses an impressive collection of artifacts excavated from various Roman sites around the city.
From Roman coins and pottery to intricate mosaics and sculptures, the museum presents a comprehensive view of life in ancient Rome. Additionally, the Museum of London provides an excellent overview of the city’s history, with a particular emphasis on its Roman roots. The museum houses a reconstructed Roman kitchen, a model of the Roman city wall, and an array of Roman artifacts.
Whether you’re gazing up at the ancient city walls or walking the same streets that Romans once tread, visiting the underground Roman sites in London is truly like stepping into a time machine. These tours offer you a unique opportunity to experience the city’s rich history firsthand.
Remember to book your guided tour well in advance to ensure you have the most enriching experience. With knowledgeable guides, breathtaking sites, and a city steeped in history, your journey through Roman London will surely be an unforgettable one. Embarking on this historical adventure, you’ll not just be exploring a city, but travelling back through centuries, witnessing the enduring legacy of the Roman Empire in the heart of modern London.
