London’s ancient history can be glimpsed beneath the modern city’s bustling streets, where remarkable Roman ruins have survived nearly 2,000 years. These remnants of Londinium, as it was known under Roman rule, offer visitors a window into a forgotten chapter of the city’s past.
The Roman Wall, constructed between 190-230 CE, once stretched 3km with towers and a riverfront section. Today, visitors can take a self-guided walking tour from Tower Hill through the Barbican Estate to see surviving sections, with notable remains at Tower Hill, Coopers Row, and St. Alphage Gardens. The “Roads to Rome” map provides a convenient self-guided walk for tourists wanting to explore these historical landmarks.
Walking London’s ancient Roman Wall offers glimpses of the past amid modern streets at Tower Hill, Coopers Row, and St. Alphage Gardens.
The London Mithraeum, a temple built in the 3rd century AD, was discovered in 1954 during post-war reconstruction. Now housed in Bloomberg SPACE, it offers a free immersive multi-sensory experience that showcases over 600 artifacts including jewelry, pottery, and writing tablets from ancient London. This was once the largest and most important temple in Roman London, frequently used by residents. The temple was primarily frequented by male worshippers, including soldiers, merchants and civil servants of the time.
At the Billingsgate Roman Bath House, remains dating from the 2nd-3rd century AD were discovered in 1848. Located in the basement of an office block, the site is preserved as a 2,000-year-old home and bathhouse, appearing as if recently excavated. It was the first site in London to receive protected heritage status as part of the Ancient Monuments Act of 1882. Pre-booked tours operate on Saturdays from April to November.
The Roman Amphitheatre, first built in AD 70 and later renovated with rag-stone walls in the 2nd century, lies beneath the Guildhall gallery complex. Discovered in 1998, the remains are displayed in situ as a protected monument.
Similarly, All Hallows By The Tower contains a 2nd century tessellated pavement and plastered wall from a domestic house in its crypt museum. Other significant sites include St. Bride’s Church with its Roman pavement dating to around AD 180, the Roman Fort of Londinium built around AD 120, a Roman temple in Greenwich Park, and Crofton Roman Villa in Orpington with its tessellated floors and hypocaust.
These sites collectively reveal London’s significant but often overlooked Roman architectural heritage.
