An extraordinary slice of Roman history will be revealed again to the public on 2 April following a closure of over two years due to Covid.
Discovered in 1848, Billingsgate Roman House and Baths (BHRB), which is managed by the City of London Corporation, is home to one of London’s best-preserved Roman remains.
Located on Lower Thames Street in the south of the City, the site is London’s only accessible Roman domestic house.
BRHB comprises an ancient house and baths, which were first built around A.D.150 and then extended a hundred years later.
It was occupied right through to the end of Roman London in the early 5th century A.D.
Peering down from walkways over the site, visitors can glimpse the remains of underfloor heating – an innovation the Romans brought to Britain.
They can also discover how the Romans used tools called strigils to scrape the oil, sweat and dirt off people’s skin in the bathhouses.
A model of what the bathhouse looked like in Roman times is also on view.
BRHB’s website will provide updates and the chance to pre-book tickets online, which is essential for entry.
It is open for guided public tours on Saturdays conducted by City Guides. Private tours are also available on request.
A spokesperson for the City of London Corporation said:
“We’re delighted that this extraordinary glimpse of Roman London is reopening following its temporary closure due to Covid.
“It’s a unique attraction with exceptional historic value and importance.
“Footfall in the City is growing every day as we emerge from the pandemic.
“Unique cultural experiences like this are helping to drive that growth and we’re pleased it can be enjoyed again by everyone.”
The City Corporation is the fourth largest funder of heritage and cultural activities in the UK and invests over £130m every year.
In partnership with the Barbican, Guildhall School of Music & Drama, London Symphony Orchestra, and Museum of London, the City Corporation is leading the development of Culture Mile between Farringdon and Moorgate, a multi-million-pound initiative to create a new cultural and creative destination for London.
