Wroxeter Roman City

Wroxeter City Shrewsbury

Once the fourth largest city in Roman Britain, visitors to Wroxeter today can take a tour around the fascinating ruins, and explore the new Roman Town House, constructed as part of Channel 4's 'Rome Wasn't Built in a 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.

Visitors to the site today can also explore the new Roman Town House, which gives a fascinating insight into Roman life. Constructed as part of Channel 4's TV series 'Rome Wasn't Built in a Day', the programme followed six modern builders as they constructed the 'villa urbana' using only traditional Roman methods.

The site museum and audio tour reveal how Wroxeter worked in its heyday, and the health and beauty practices of its 5000 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.