Interested in finding out more about London’s origins? Then you have to hunt for the city’s Roman heritage.
London was actually founded by the Romans nearly 2,000 years ago. The site was chosen because it was a convenient crossing point on the River Thames – until that point there had been no settlements in this area. That first settlement survived just 15 years until the warrior queen Boudica totally destroyed it. A much bigger and more substantial city arose in its place, and it is the remains of this city which can still be traced in London today.
As you walk across London Bridge, remember that the Romans built the very first crossing of the Thames in this area. People have walked across the River Thames at this spot for night on 2,000 years.
The original city founded by the Romans was on the north bank of the river. Much of that city now lies buried under office buildings but you can still find sections of the wall that surrounded it. Head for Tower Hill to find remnants of the Roman Wall, as well as along London Wall heading towards the Museum of London.
Towering remains of the wall and a large Roman fort can be seen along the street, in the adjacent Noble Street and the gardens of the Barbican while a resident at one of the beautiful Aparthotels London.
While in the area, stop off at the Museum of London. This is where you can get some really good views of the Roman remains as well as discovering artifacts that have been dug up by archaeologists over the centuries.
Book stay at Presidential Apartments Kensington and head over to the Guildhall Art Gallery to find the remains of the spectacular Roman Amphitheatre that once stood in this area. This was where the Romans enjoyed games and theatre of all kinds. The amphitheatre is now on permanent exhibition and you can visit it, free of charge, during opening hours.
Also worth investigating are two City churches. St Brides in Fleet Street (also known as the Wedding Cake Church due to its tiered steeple) has a Roman pavement in its crypt, while All Hallows by the Tower has a lovely tessellated floor from a domestic Roman house in its crypt museum.
A spectacular Temple of Mithras was discovered in the aftermath of the Second World War in Cannon Street. It is currently in storage while redevelopment of the site takes places, but is set to be reinstated on its original site and will be open to the public soon.
Throughout the summer of 2017, the City of London will be celebrating its Roman heritage putting on numerous themed events and activities such as Gladiator Games at the Amphitheatre, a sound, light and dance experience, special walks and tours.
So, for anyone who is keen on going to celebrate Roman Heritage, the ApartHotels in Kensington is definitely the right affordable accommodation.
