Discovering Roman London: A Journey Beneath the Surface
When we think of London, we often picture red double-decker buses, regal palaces, or the bustle of the West End. But long before all that—before Shakespeare, before the Great Fire, before Big Ben—there was Londinium.
Founded around 43 AD by the Romans, Londinium was strategically placed along the River Thames, chosen for its tidal reach and central location. This small but mighty settlement quickly flourished into a bustling hub of commerce and governance, the heart of Roman Britain. And though centuries have passed and the city has grown skyward, traces of its Roman roots remain hidden in plain sight.
Walking with the Ancients: What Remains of Roman London
If you’re the kind of traveler who delights in uncovering the stories beneath the surface, Roman London offers a quiet but compelling invitation. Here are a few places where the past peeks through the present:
London Mithraeum
Tucked beneath a sleek Bloomberg office building is one of London’s most evocative Roman sites—the temple of Mithras. Carefully excavated and restored, this once-forgotten sanctuary to a mysterious Eastern god offers a multi-sensory experience. Visitors descend into a darkened space that feels reverent and raw, with audio and lighting that transport you to a ritual gathering nearly two millennia ago.
The Roman Wall
Take a walk near the Tower of London, and you’ll find stone remnants of the ancient Roman city wall. These unassuming sections of masonry once protected Londinium from invaders and marked the boundaries of the Roman town. Today, they stand quietly among glass towers and bustling sidewalks—a physical link between empires and commuters.
The Roman Amphitheater
Beneath the stately Guildhall Art Gallery lies the curved outline of a Roman amphitheater, once the site of gladiatorial combat and public spectacle. You can still trace the ghostly arc of its arena, thoughtfully preserved and imaginatively displayed. It’s a moving reminder that entertainment and civic life have always been at the heart of the city.
The First London Bridge
While the original wooden bridge across the Thames has long vanished, its legacy endures. Roman engineers first connected the north and south banks of the river, shaping the layout and longevity of the city that would grow around it. You can stand near today’s London Bridge and imagine merchants, soldiers, and citizens crossing a structure that changed history.
Why Roman London Matters
Roman London was eventually abandoned in the 5th century as the empire receded. But its spirit lingers—in street names, in underground layers, in the quiet confidence of a city that’s always been a crossroads of cultures and ideas.
As travelers, we’re not just passing through places—we’re connecting with stories. Roman London is more than a historical footnote. It’s the foundation of a city that has seen reinvention after reinvention, while always honoring its past.
At Branches and Blossoms Travel, we believe in the magic of walking through history—not just to see it, but to feel it. Whether you’re tracing ancient walls or exploring a subterranean temple, we’ll help you experience London with fresh eyes and timeless wonder. Let’s get started!
Stay curious and travel on.
