London’s history stretches back millennia, and beneath the modern metropolis lies the fascinating world of Roman Londinium. While the imposing Roman Wall is perhaps the most visible reminder of this ancient past, the city holds many other hidden gems that offer glimpses into the lives, beliefs, and infrastructure of its Roman inhabitants. From the defensive fortifications and military presence to places of worship, entertainment, commerce, and even the roads that connected it to the wider world, exploring these sites provides a rich tapestry of Roman life on the banks of the Thames. Join me as we uncover some of the key Roman remains scattered across the City of London and beyond, including the often-overlooked evidence of Roman presence south of the river in Southwark.
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Roman Wall
The Roman Wall in London, originally built around 200 AD, was a defensive fortification that encircled the Roman city of Londinium. Constructed primarily from Kentish Ragstone, it served to protect the settlement from invaders for centuries. Roman Wall in London was approximately 2.5 miles (4.0 km) in length. 1It enclosed an area of about 134 hectares, making Londinium the largest enclosed urban area in Roman Britain. While much of the original wall has been lost to time and urban development, significant sections can still be seen today, offering a tangible link to London’s ancient past. Key places to view remnants of the Roman Wall are listed below.
Roman Wall at Tower Hill
One of the most impressive and easily accessible sections of the Roman Wall can be found at Tower Hill. Standing near the iconic Tower of London, this substantial portion of the ancient defense provides a clear visual example of the wall’s construction and scale. Visitors can see the original Roman stonework, often identifiable by distinctive tile courses, offering a direct connection to the city’s Roman founders and the formidable barrier they built.
This part of wall is probably the busiest and taking unobstructed picture without people is almost impossible. They should ban people sitting on the grass there. Here is a photo of guided tour in front of the wall.
Statue of Roman Emperor Trajan
The statue located in front of the Roman wall at Tower Hill, as shown in a photo below, is believed to be of the Roman Emperor Trajan. It is a twentieth-century bronze sculpture that was erected in 1980.
The statue depicts Trajan bareheaded, wearing a tunic, and holding a scroll. It was presented by the Tower Hill Improvement Trust at the request of the Reverend P. B. Clayton. Interestingly, the Museum of London suggests the figure may have been recovered from a scrapyard in Southampton in the 1920s, and there is also a note that the head may not match the body. The statue is a cast of a late 1st-century original found in Minturno, Italy, which is now housed in the National Archaeological Museum in Naples. While Trajan was a significant Roman Emperor known for expanding the empire, he is not known to have personally visited Britain.
A Second Part of London Wall at Tower Hill
I will tell you a secret. If you go up the stairs, where is the big entrance through the wall, but instead you turn left and walk straight, you will have a well preserved of Roman Wall from there.
Furthermore, you can actually walk around and get into that terrace in there. You can either go to Tower Gateway DLR station and turn left then walk through the passage, turn right and immediately turn left one you see red sign “Pedestrians”.
Another option is to go through Leonardo Royal Hotel London City (some rooms might even have a view of the wall through the window) passage. You can see the wall straight from there already.
Museum of London part of Roman Wall
Parts of the wall are visible from the Museum of London and within the surrounding area, including near the Barbican, which you can see through the locked gate (no access) as it is in a private residential area, when you explore the museum’s outside area. General admission to the Museum of London is free.
If you are reading up to here, you’re up for a treat. I’ve mentioned that you cannot go in to take a look up close to Roman City Tower at Barbican. However, I’ve met a local elderly woman leaving the gate and she gave me a pointer to go St Giles Cripplegate church and behind it you can have unobstructed view of the tower. Also you can pop in to the church as well.
Roman Wall in underground parking
A less known part of London (Roman) wall is in the underground parking. If you enter through the pedestrian gate next to Roman Fort Gate and then walk a long long underground parking you will reach the hidden remains of LondonWall.
The wall is located at the parking space 52.
Some parts are covered by glass, but if you walk around you can see some parts completely unobstructed.
Roman Wall at St Alphage Garden
Another location where you can see a section of the Roman Wall is at St Alphage Garden. This accessible site provides another opportunity to view the ancient structure in the middle of a more tranquil setting. The remnants here offer a sense of how the wall integrated into the landscape of Roman Londinium and how its presence is still felt within the modern urban environment. It’s a peaceful spot to reflect on the history contained within these old stones.
To access this part of wall is easy, once you see Tower of St Elsyng Spital, just go behind it and you will see the wall.
You can also go down the stairs during the day and have your lunch or coffee while adoring these walls.
In addition to that, you can walk to Salters’ Garden and see the wall from the other side and admire the wall from behind (or actually the front) and wonder how tall it was!
Roman fort ruins at Noble Street
Near Noble Street, you can find remains of the Roman Wall that are closely associated with the original Roman fort (Cripplegate fort) that predated the full city wall. These ruins offer insights into the earlier Roman military presence in London and how the later city wall was integrated with the fort’s defenses. Exploring the Noble Street area allows you to see sections of the wall alongside the archaeological remnants of the fort, providing a deeper understanding of Londinium’s early development as both a military and civilian centre.
You can go on adventure on your own and explore all parts by just walking around 4km. However, be aware, that some parts can be closed and you might need to go around.
Roman London Amphitheater
Beyond the defensive structures and everyday life, Roman Londinium, just like Rome, also had its entertainment. A visit to the London Guildhall area offers the chance to see the remains of the Roman Amphitheatre. Discovered relatively recently beneath the Guildhall Yard, the outline of this arena is marked on the paving, and you can descend into the basement of the Guildhall Art Gallery to see the preserved stone walls and drainage system of the original structure. The original amphitheatre was built about AD 70. In early 2nd century AD, the amphitheatre was enlarged and improved. It was able to host about 6,000 spectators! Of course, it cannot be compared to Rome’s Coliseum which could host 50,000 to 87,000 sepctators! At that time Londinium population would have been from 20,000 to 30,000 people.
This was where citizens of Londinium would have gathered to watch gladiatorial contests, animal fights, and public executions of criminals, offering a fascinating, though sometimes brutal, insight into the public life of the Roman city.
Pre-book your ticket online using the link below (free general admissions). They provide guided tours for a fee as well, but those must be pre-booked too.
The Temple of Mithra’s of Roman London
Another significant Roman site in London is the Temple of Mithras. This temple, dedicated to the mystery cult of the god Mithras, was discovered in 1954 during excavations following World War II bombing. The discovery was a major archaeological event, revealing a well-preserved Roman temple with intricate carvings and artifacts related to Mithraic rituals. It provided crucial insights into the religious practices of some of Londinium’s inhabitants, particularly those involved in trade and the military.
Today, the reconstructed Temple of Mithras can be visited at Bloomberg’s European headquarters in the City of London. The remains of the temple have been carefully relocated and are presented in a dedicated exhibition space called London Mithraeum at Bloomberg. This allows visitors to descend to the original Roman ground level and experience the scale and atmosphere of the temple, accompanied by displays of the artefacts found on the site and information about the Mithraic cult. It’s a unique opportunity to step into the spiritual world of Roman Londinium and feel the spirit of the time with their provided 6 min sound and light show.
You must pre-book your visit online, even though the general admissions are free of charge.
The London Stone
Adding to the layers of London’s ancient history is the enigmatic London Stone. Its exact origin and purpose are debated by historians, with some theories suggesting it dates back to the Roman period, possibly serving a ceremonial or geographical function. For centuries, it was traditionally located on Cannon Street, embedded in the wall of St Swithin’s Church (which was destroyed in World War II). Today, the main fragment of the London Stone is housed and displayed in a protective cage at 111 Cannon Street, allowing the public to view this small but historically significant object that has been a part of London’s story for possibly two millennia.
Over time, the London Stone has accumulated various legends and folklore. Perhaps the most famous legend is the belief that the stone is tied to the prosperity and stability of London itself. The saying goes, “So long as the Stone of Brutus is safe, so long shall London flourish.” While the connection to the mythical Brutus of Troy is likely a medieval invention, the persistence of this legend highlights the stone’s deep symbolic importance to the city and its citizens throughout history. It’s a small stone with a grand reputation, embodying centuries of London’s identity and resilience.
Roman Road in Southwark Cathedral
Across the River Thames in Southwark, near Southwark Cathedral, archaeological excavations have revealed remnants of a Roman road. While not part of the city wall itself, this discovery highlights the infrastructure that connected Londinium to the wider Roman road network and the settlements south of the river. Seeing the remains of this ancient roadway provides a sense of the movement of people and goods in and out of the Roman city and the importance of this area even in antiquity. It’s a reminder that Roman London extended beyond the walled city.
To see the Roman road at Southwark Cathedral, visit the museum area behind the cathedral. You can look down into a section of the foundations to view the Roman road from the 1st century AD. You’ll also see the wall of the 12th-century chapter house, a 13th-century stone coffin, and other historical aspects of the building.
Leadenhall Market
You can also discover Roman history beneath the bustling Victorian architecture of Leadenhall Market. Here, excavations have revealed the remains of the Roman Basilica and Forum, the administrative and commercial heart of ancient Londinium. These impressive ruins, including sections of walls and foundations, are preserved in the basement beneath the market. Access is somewhat difficult as it is in a private barber shop. According to the video below if you are very polite you might get a chance to see it.
All-Hallows-by-the-Tower
Another fascinating site with Roman connections is the church of All-Hallows-by-the-Tower, located near the Tower of London. Within the crypt of this historic church, you can find Roman pavement dating back to the 2nd century AD. This provides compelling evidence of Roman occupation in this specific area, suggesting a building or settlement existed here long before the church was built. Seeing this ancient floor level beneath the medieval and later architecture of the church offers a powerful sense of the continuity of London’s history on this site.
Billingsgate Roman House & Baths
For a glimpse into Roman leisure and daily life, the Billingsgate Roman House & Baths offer a remarkable opportunity. Discovered in the 1840s and preserved beneath a modern office block near Lower Thames Street, these remains include a Roman house that was later converted into a bathhouse complex. Visitors can take guided tours to explore the hypocaust (underfloor heating) system, the remains of various rooms including a plunge pool, and learn about the social and hygienic practices of Roman Londoners. It’s a hidden gem that provides a tangible link to the domestic and recreational side of ancient Londinium. You will have to book a guide tour though, as that’s the only way you can see it.
Roman Artefacts in London
Museum of London
The museum’s exhibits and collections explore London’s Roman past, including artefacts found in burial sites and other areas of Roman Londinium. The museum has previously displayed artefacts like a Roman sarcophagus and showcased the stories of Roman burials in London.
For a deeper dive into the lives of the people who lived within Roman Londinium, a visit to the Museum of London at Barbican is highly recommended. The museum houses an extensive collection of Roman artefacts unearthed during archaeological excavations across the city. These include everyday objects like pottery, tools, jewellery, and clothing fragments, as well as more significant finds such as mosaics, sculptures, and even human remains that tell stories of health and daily routines. Exploring these artefacts provides invaluable context to the physical remains of the wall and fort, helping to paint a more complete picture of life in this bustling Roman provincial capital.
Unfortunately Museum of London in City of London is permanently closed and will re-open in 2026 in Smithfield
British Museum
The British Museum houses a vast array of Roman objects from across the empire, including some found in Britain, offering a broader context to the finds from Londinium. If you do love history, you are going to love this museum. To be honest, this this my favourite museum in London.
Free entrance, you can pre-book free ticket online.
The Victoria and Albert Museum
The Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) also has collections that include Roman artefacts, often focusing on decorative arts, sculpture, and later periods influenced by Roman styles, providing another dimension to understanding the legacy of Roman craftsmanship and aesthetics.
You can see all of that almost for free! Only Roman baths will cost you around £12.