Verulamium Roman Theatre
St Albans, Hertfordshire
| Built more than 1600 years ago, about 140AD is
the remains of a Roman Theatre, just west of the A4147. It is thought to be the
only example of its kind in Britain.
These ruins were excavated in 1847 and since
then other excavations have revealed a row of shop foundations, a Roman Villa
and a secret shrine. This is a theatre with a stage, not an amphitheatre and it
is believed that initially it would have been used for forms of entertainment
such as wrestling, dancing, wild beast shows and armed combat as well as for
religious processions. As the area became more populated it was extended
and by 300AD it is thought around 2000 spectators could be seated to watch the
shows. What you can see today is banked seating facing a stage areas with a
re-erected stage column.
|
Rob Hinkley
 |
A walk across the road takes you into
Verulamium Park (adjacent to St Michael's Church) and on the East side of the
A4147, has the remains and excavations of:
- Roman Villa
- Roman City Walls
as well as a
we have a separate page giving details of these
extra facilities -
Verulamium,
.
Planning Grid
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Location: |
Verulium Roman Theatre, St Albans,
Hertfordshire |
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Grid Reference: |
TL134073 |
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Getting there: |
The theatre is on the
western outskirts of St Albans just of the A4147 in an area known as
Bluehouse Hill. |
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Access: |
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Parking: |
Has it's own small car park nearby, or you
could park in the car park of the Museum and walk across the road. |
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Facilities: |
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Things To Do,
See and Photograph: |
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What to take: |
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Nature highlights: |
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Address: |
The Roman Theatre of
Verulamium
Bluehouse Hill
St Albans
Hertfordshire |
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Postcode: |
AL3 6AE |
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Telephone: |
01727 835035 |
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Opening times: |
All year daily. Summer
10am-5pm and Winter 10am to 4pm |
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Charges: |
Adults £2; Children £1;
Students and Seniors £1.50. Under 5's free. |
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Photo Restrictions: |
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Other Restrictions: |
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Special Needs Access: |
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Special Needs Facilities: |
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Children Facilities: |
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Dogs Allowed: |
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CIN Page Ref: |
verulamium |
Date Updated: 07/2008 |
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