Following its closure for the autumn and winter months, one of Roman London’s most unusual finds is welcoming visitors from this month.

Billingsgate Roman House and Baths, which are located in the basement of an office block on Lower Thames Street, will be available for bookings for visits until November.

Discovered in 1848, the remains of the large private residence and its adjoining bathhouse dates from around A.D. 150, after which it was extended, and occupied until the end of the Romans’ occupation of the then Londinium in the early 5th century A.D.. 

Preserved as if City archaeologists had just left the site and viewable from walkways a few metres off the ground, visitors can study the remains of the house’s walls and courtyard, as well as the cold room (frigidarium), warm room (tepidarium), and hot room (caldarium) of the baths.

The site's 2023 season comes as the City Corporation’s Destination City programme encourages even more people back into the Square Mile to enjoy its many arts, culture, heritage, and leisure attractions.

Chair of the City of London Corporation’s Culture, Heritage, and Libraries Committee, Wendy Hyde, said:

“Billingsgate Roman House and Baths was a surprising discovery in the late 1840s and in recent years, has proved a popular attraction with history buffs, archaeology students, tourists, and schoolchildren keen to learn more about Roman London.

“We are looking forward to welcoming people from across the capital and beyond, as part of our Destination City programme encouraging even more people back into the City.”

For more information about booking your advance tickets for the guided tours led by official City Guides, opening times, and accessibility issues, please visit https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/bathhouse

The City of London Corporation, which owns and manages Billingsgate Roman House and Baths, is the fourth largest funder of heritage and cultural activities in the UK and invests over £130m every year.

 ENDS

Notes to editors

For further information, please contact:

Andrew Buckingham, Media Officer (Arts, Culture, Heritage, Licensing), City of London Corporation / 07795 333060 / andrew.buckingham@cityoflondon.gov.uk

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK –  www.cityoflondon.gov.uk