Wroxeter Roman City (Shropshire)

Wroxeter Roman City is a family day out to remember. Take a glimpse at life 2000 years ago.

Summary

13th century buildings (or older)
Gift shop
Audio guide
Free car parking (on site)

Food and Drinks

Picnic area

Introduction

Wroxeter Roman City is a family day out to remember. Discover the fascinating remains of the fourth largest city in Roman Britain as you take a journey back in time for a glimpse of life as it would have been 2000 years ago.

Price:

Adult: £4.20

Children: £2.10

Concession: £3.60

History to the present day

Wroxeter (or 'Viroconium' ) was the fourth largest city in Roman Britain. It began as a legionary fortress and later developed into a thriving civilian city, populated by retired soldiers and traders. Though much still remains below ground, today the most impressive features are the 2nd-century municipal baths, and the remains of the huge wall dividing them from the exercise hall in the heart of the city. The site museum and audio tour reveal how Wroxeter worked in its heyday, and the health and beauty practices of its 5,000 citizens. Dramatic archaeological discoveries provide a glimpse of the last years of the Roman city and its possible conversion into the headquarters of a 5th-century British or Irish warlord.

2009 marks the 150th anniversary of the re-discovery of Wroxeter Roman City, a momentous event for British archaeology. In February 1859 workmen began excavating the baths complex, and by April much of the present site was exposed and thronged with fascinated visitors, including Charles Dickens. Donated by the landowner for public viewing, Wroxeter thus became one of the first archaeological visitor attractions in Britain.

Other facilities

Toilets: Wheelchair Accessible toilet.

Shop/museum: Level access.

Access to site: Wheelchair access to shop and site via ramp. Site mostly accessible, except some areas within walls, via smooth grass, cobbles and loose and impacted gravel paths. Some slopes and bumpy areas; strong pusher for wheelchairs recommended. Secondary viewing platform has level access.

Parking: 8m from entrance, with uneven surface; setting down point at entrance gate.

Visually Impaired Visitors: Education Centre (may be booked in advance) has pottery, fabric and armour to touch. Bird song, lilac blossom. Basilica is laid out in contrasting colours.

Hearing Impaired Visitors: Audio tour with hearing loop included in admission price.

Arrival information and how to find us

Address: Wroxeter Roman City, Shropshire, , United Kingdom

Road Access: Located at Wroxeter, 5 miles E of Shrewsbury on B4380.

Train Access: Shrewsbury 5 1/2 miles; Wellington Telford West 6 miles.

Bus Access: Arriva 96 Telford - Shrewsbury (passes close to Telford Central railway station).

Opening Times:

April 2009 to March 2010
1 Apr-1 Nov 10am-5pm Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
2 Nov-28 Feb 10am-4pm Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
1-31 Mar 10am-5pm Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
24-26 Dec & 1 Jan Closed.

Photographs courtesy of English Heritage Photo Library.

More photos of Wroxeter Roman City

Reconstruction drawing of the baths in the 2nd century AD by Ivan Lapper

Reconstruction drawing of the city as it may have appeared in the early 3rd Century AD