Name: Roman Wall of St Albans
Rating: 5.0

Roman Wall of St Albans

Verulamium Park, St Albans, UK

1-99 Years

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Description

The Roman Wall of St Albans, which was built between AD 265 and 270 to defend the Roman city of Verulamium, can still be traced for most of its two-mile circuit. At its peak, the massive structure towered at a height of five metres and was topped by a walkway protected by a 1.8 metre parapet - giving some indication of the importance placed on what was then Roman Britain's third largest town.

Although today the wall no longer stands quite so tall, parts of the structure do still reach the impressive height of four metres, and the surviving foundations of two towers and bastions as well as the remains of the impressive London Gate make the wall well worthy of a visit.

Free Entry. If you are looking for Best place for day out with kids and families then this is the perfect destination offering fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories for everyone.

Features

Free
Host birthday parties: No

Features

History of Roman Wall, St Albans: Once the defensive wall of Roman Verulamium, the city wall of St Albans can still be traced for most of its two-mile circuit. Its towers and gateway foundations give some indication of the importance of Roman Britain’s third largest town.
Origins: The Romans rebuilt the city after Boudicca attacked the first settlement around AD 60, and by the second century Verulamium had a number of stone public buildings including a theatre and a basilica (town hall), as well as a forum – the open space at the heart of the civic and business quarter. St Albans Museum contains a wealth of information about the Roman city.
Description: The wall was built between 265 and 270 AD of mortared flint rubble with layers of brick bonding. It was faced with dressed flints, though very little of this facing survives. Rising from 3 metre-wide footings, the wall once stood to a height of 5 metres and was topped by a walkway protected by a 1.8 metres parapet. Parts of this massive structure still survive up to 4 metres high, though in places its line is visible only as a change in ground level.
At its back was a broad earthen bank up to the level of the walkway and just beyond it a massive defensive ditch, originally up to 29 metres wide and 6 metres deep. Sections of this can still be seen.
The foundations of two towers or bastions survive, and east of these are the remains of the impressive London Gate, where Watling Street entered the city. This substantial structure had two passageways for vehicles and two for pedestrians, and was defended by flanking towers.

Facilities

Parking: There is limited on-street parking close to the wall remains on King Harry Lane or a pay and display car park at Verulamium Museum which is a 10-minute walk away across Verulamium Park on paths. The museum is well worth a visit and houses Roman finds from Verulamium, and features superb mosaics and re-created Roman rooms.
Food & Drinks: The Roman Wall is within Verulamium Park and this has various facilities including café and children’s play area.
Toilets: The Roman Wall is within Verulamium Park and this has various facilities including toilets.
Dogs: Dogs on leads are welcome.

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Price

Price: Free

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

Open any reasonable time during daylight hours.

Address: Verulamium Park, St Albans, UK

Post Code: AL3 4SW

Council: St Albans

County: Hertfordshire

Road Access: Located on the south side of St Albans, 1⁄2 mile from the centre, off the A4147.
Train Access: St Albans Abbey 1⁄2 mile, St Albans 1 1⁄4 miles.
Bus Access: Uno services S8 & S9 operate close to the Roman Wall site.
Bicycle Access: Find this site on The National Cycle Network.
Parking: There is limited on-street parking close to the wall remains on King Harry Lane or a pay and display car park at Verulamium Museum which is a 10-minute walk away across Verulamium Park on paths. The museum is well worth a visit and houses Roman finds from Verulamium, and features superb mosaics and re-created Roman rooms.