The Romans first settled on the current site of the City of London around 43 AD. Londinium started off as a small fort guarding the northern end of the new bridge across the River Thames which grew to become an important port for trade between Roman Britain and the Roman provinces on the continent.
A port of this importance needed to be protected. Some 147-182 years after their settlement the Romans built the London Wall. The London Wall was a means of defense around the landward side of the city. Using 85 tonne of ragstone from Kent the Romans built a wall nearly 3 miles long, 20ft high and 8ft thick and became the defining feature of the City of London throughout the next 1,600 years.
Where can I see the Roman London Wall?
Most of the wall which can still be seen today is the medieval addition added by the Anglo Saxons. Much of the surviving Roman wall is c.15ft below modern street level.
Gates in the wall were used for defense but also to monitor trade. In medieval times traders would be required to pay a toll to come into the City of London. All the gates would shut at the same time in the evening. No one could enter or exit the city when the gates were closed. Bishopsgate, for example, linked London to the city of York and onto Hadrian's wall.
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A port of this importance needed to be protected. Some 147-182 years after their settlement the Romans built the London Wall. The London Wall was a means of defense around the landward side of the city. Using 85 tonne of ragstone from Kent the Romans built a wall nearly 3 miles long, 20ft high and 8ft thick and became the defining feature of the City of London throughout the next 1,600 years.
Where can I see the Roman London Wall?
Most of the wall which can still be seen today is the medieval addition added by the Anglo Saxons. Much of the surviving Roman wall is c.15ft below modern street level.
Gates in the wall were used for defense but also to monitor trade. In medieval times traders would be required to pay a toll to come into the City of London. All the gates would shut at the same time in the evening. No one could enter or exit the city when the gates were closed. Bishopsgate, for example, linked London to the city of York and onto Hadrian's wall.
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| Marble bust of emperor Hadrian, British Museum |
You should follow me on twitter here
People in History
Historic Britain
London History Timeline
Interesting and Useful Things to Know
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