Verulamium, southwest of modern-day St.Albans, was the third-largest city in Roman Briton and the first significant town on the old Roman road of Watling Street for people heading north. Watling Street enabled Romans to travel between Rutupiae near Canterbury and the Shropshire village of Wroxeter, or Viriconium. This route covers 230 miles. Read our guide to the Roman wall of St. Albans.
Travel Essentials – Roman Wall of St. Albans
Directions | Duration | Distance | Difficulty
Start point: Verulamium Park, St, Albans.
Finish point: Verulamium Park, St, Albans.
Map: Roman Wall of St. Albans.
Cost: Free.
Notes: This is a pleasant, easy walk with many interesting sites.
Quick facts about Roman of St. Albans
- Built to guard Roman Britain’s third-largest walled city, Verulamium.
- Part of a two-mile circuit around the Roman city of Verulamium.
- The wall enclosed an area of 200 acres.
- Verulamium was the third-largest city behind Cirencester and London.
- There were four main entrances to Verulamium via the Roman Wall of St. Albans.
Roman Wall of St. Albans
1. When was the Roman Wall built?
The flint wall constructed in 265AD has an irregular appearance, similar to Opus caementicium, an ancestor to concrete.
Roman Wall of St. Albans, Herts
2. How big was the wall?
The Roman Wall was 3m (9.8ft) wide and nearly 5m (16.4ft) high in places. A walkway of 1.8m (5.9ft) lines the top of the wall.
Extended wall showing different heights, St. Albans, Herts
3. What was the purpose of the wall?
The primary purpose was to protect the city of Verulamium. Two of the bastions or towers are still partially visible today. Verulamium contained several important buildings, such as a theatre, a town hall, private townhouses and an open forum. The forum was a place for mass gatherings in Roman times.
Cross-section of the Roman wall, St. Albans, Herts
4. Why was the wall important?
The Roman Empire used buildings to convey power, wealth and greatness through its temples, markets, government buildings. The entrance, known as London Gate, is where Watling Street entered the city of Verulamium. The gate is wide enough to allow vehicle access and defended by two towers.
The verdict
Sections of the wall remain in Verulamium Park that formed the original perimeter of the Roman City. The preservation of the wall is impressive, and bands of tile are used to strengthen it. The best view is from the top of Verulamium Park with King Harry lane behind you. This overlooks the Roman Wall, Verulamium Park and lake, with St. Albans Catherdral visible on the skyline.
There is not much to see with the wall itself, but combined with the other historical sites and attractions would make a visit to Verulamium Park worthwhile.
Cabin Bags Only rating: 6/10
Points of interest around St. Albans
- Ye Old Fighting Cocks – reputed to be the old pub in Britain, licensed in 1756.
- Roman Mosaic and Hypocaust – the mosaic floor dates back to the second century AD.
- Verulamium Lake – a lake in a beautiful park spread over 100 acres.
- St Albans Cathedral – at 85 metres long, it has the longest nave in England.
- London Gate – the entrance to Verulamium on the old Watling Street.
- Remains of Roman City Walls – further remain of the Roman wall in Verulamium Park.
- Roman Theatre of Verulamium – impressive theatre that is part of the Gorhambury Estate.
Ye Olde Fighting Cocks, St. Albans, Herts
Ducks at Verulamium Lake, St. Albans, Herts
St. Albans Cathedral, St. Albans, Herts
Overlooking Verulamium Park and the cathedral, St. Albans
More information
English Heritage – Roman Wall of St. Albans.
Other museums in St. Albans.
Read about our other English Heritage visits.