Roman Wall — The Ancient Defences of St Albans

Echoes of an Empire

Beneath the streets of modern St Albans lie the remains of Verulamium, one of Roman Britain’s great cities.
The Roman Wall, built in the 3rd century AD, once enclosed this thriving town of merchants, temples, and mosaics.
Today, its surviving stretches wind through green parkland, letting visitors step back nearly two millennia.

It’s history you can walk beside.

From Prosperous Town to Fortified City

Verulamium grew after the Roman conquest of AD 43, prospering on the vital route of Watling Street.
Following raids and fires in the 2nd century, the townspeople rebuilt in stone and enclosed the settlement with massive flint and brick walls almost three kilometres long.
Therefore, these walls protected a city alive with workshops, villas, and bustling marketplaces — the ancestors of St Albans’ modern streets.

Exploring the Roman Wall
1. Verulamium Park

The best-preserved remains stand in Verulamium Park, bordered by lakes and meadows.
The wall’s flint core and Roman brick layers still rise several metres, showing extraordinary engineering skill.
Information panels explain its construction and later rediscovery.

2. The London Gate

Walk to the site of the London Gate, the main entrance for travellers arriving from Londinium.
You’ll see foundations of twin carriageways and guard towers.
In addition, signs reconstruct how carts once rumbled through these archways into the bustling city.

3. The Wall Walk

A gentle circular path follows the ancient line of the ramparts.
It connects the wall to the Verulamium Museum, where mosaics, coins, and pottery tell the story of daily Roman life.
Together, they make one of Britain’s most engaging urban archaeology experiences.

Learn more at the English Heritage site

A Legacy That Endures

The Roman Wall survived invasions, decay, and centuries of reuse.
Flint, chalk, and brick still gleam in sunlight, revealing how Roman builders balanced beauty and defence.
Furthermore, its preservation within a public park ensures that every visitor can experience history in open air.

It’s not just old stone — it’s the skeleton of an ancient city still shaping modern St Albans.

Visiting the Roman Wall
How to Get There

Address: Verulamium Park, St Albans AL3 4SW

By Car: Parking at Verulamium Museum (off St Michael’s Street)

By Train: St Albans City or Abbey Stations (≈ 15 min walk)

By Bus: Frequent routes from city centre

Opening Hours & Admission

Open daily, dawn to dusk

Free entry

Facilities

Café and toilets in Verulamium Park

Step-free paths and benches along the walk

Museum and gift shop nearby

Nearby Attractions

Verulamium Museum — Roman artefacts and mosaics

St Albans Cathedral — Norman Gothic masterpiece

Old Gorhambury House — Tudor ruins in parkland

Sopwell Nunnery Ruins — Medieval remains by the River Ver

Together, these sites form the St Albans Heritage Trail.

Why Visit the Roman Wall of St Albans?

The Roman Wall offers:

Authentic ancient defences in a green urban setting

Engaging walks and interpretive panels

Free access and family-friendly routes

Links to Verulamium Museum and park trails

Whether you’re a casual stroller or a Roman-history enthusiast, this site combines archaeology, nature, and storytelling in one easy visit.
It’s not just a monument — it’s the living edge of Roman Britain.