Hidden deep below the Guildhall Art Gallery are the remains of London’s Roman Amphitheatre. Even more exciting is that you can visit for FREE.
Back in AD70 work began on constructing a wooden arena, then around AD 120 the whole structure was upgraded to a magnificent stone and tiled building with brightly coloured walls. The population of London at this time was 20-30,000 people and the amphitheatre would have been able to hold 6-7,000: almost 1 in 4 of the inhabitants, the building must have dominated the Roman city. When the Romans left in the early 4th century, the stone from the walls was used as convenient source of building material for new houses and eventually the Amphitheatre disappeared from view. In 1988 the remains were rediscovered during the construction of the Guildhall Art Gallery and eventually opened to the public in 2002.
To get to the Amphitheatre, you go the main entrance of the Guildhall Art Gallery and follow a circuitous route down and through double doors. Once through those doors you are in the Roman world. Low stone walls that would have supported the seating stretch out in front of you. Your eye is led to a clever virtual reconstruction of the arena, complete with gladiators. Beneath your feet a glow of light reveals the wooden drains and a silt trap; remarkably the wood is the wood that the Romans laid getting on for 2000 years ago. Back and ground level and in the open air, you will see the outline of the arena is marked in brick in Guildhall Yard and make you realise how enormous the amphitheatre must have been.
A jaunt up to London just to see the amphitheatre would be a bit extravagant, so whilst you there take a stroll round the Guildhall Art Gallery with its magnificent collection of pre-Raphaelite and London related paintings. What I love about the amphitheatre is way that the layers of London are shown: you start with the Roman, rise up through the City’s art collection and then emerge into daylight surrounded by the tall glittering palaces of commerce, that are, in turn, interspersed with building sites reinventing the City all over again.
Whilst you are in the area take time to stroll down to Cheapside to hear Bow Bells, if your visit has coincided with time for a coffee break or even lunch then good food can be found in the thousand year old crypt of St Mary le Bow Church at Café Below on Cheapside.
LONDON’S ROMAN AMPHITHEATRE
ADMISSION: FREE
OPEN: Monday – Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 12 noon-4pm
If you’d like more ideas about entertaining teens take a look at my Free Things to do with Teens in London post.
wew, i love that art gallery
Definitely one of London’s lesser known gems, when i visited we were the only people there but the space is just amazing. As you say – it doesn’t take long but the gallery is an added bonus.
We’re both highlighting underground attractions this week! I had no idea this was here – very clever use of technology to help visitors imagine what it would have looked like.
#CulturedKids
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So we are!
Living near Hadrian’s Wall, we love a bit of Roman History and would love to take a peek around here. Even better that it’s free!
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It was the Mithraeum at Carrawburgh that sparked my interest in all things Roman when I was a child
London has so many layers of history, built on top of each other. I love the way they have helped the viewer understand what the ruins would have looked like. Much easier for kids to visualize. Very cool. #CulturedKids
London has quite a few of these places, that don’t necessarily have enough to justify a day trip all to themselves, but which can be put together with others for a mix-an-match history day. I must admit, I didn’t know about this place. Definitely going on my list. #CulturedKids
Omg! I can’t believe I didn’t know about this. I live so close to it too. Guess what I’ll be doing in the next week?! #culturedkids
I love the way you describe moving through the layers of London’s history… what a hidden gem! And I like a good lunch recommendation too! #culturedkids
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Thank you! The City has so much history
I didn’t even know London had a Roman amphitheatre. This reminds me a little of the entrance to York’s Viking Centre, so much history under our feet.
#culturedkids – always forget!
I had no idea this existed #culturedkids
I like the look of the virtual reconstructuon, such a good idea. I’d not heard of the amphitheatre, I’d definitely like to pay it a visit. Do you think it’s suitable with little kids (6 and 3)?
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It is a bit dark (as in not light not scary) and maybe a little older. The !useum of London is nearby with lots of stuff aimed at younger children. Mine were 9 or so when we first went
#culturedkids!
London is incredible for all the wonders you can access for free. We are definitely going to miss these cultural experiences when we head down under #culturedkids
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Think of the beaches!
Incredible! I never knew about this place. I have always been fascinated by London’s many layers of history. It’s great that lighting and technology are being used to help the visitor imagine what the amphitheatre was like in its heyday. #culturedkids