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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

  • Roman Museum

we have a separate page giving details of these extra facilities - Verulamium,


Further information Grid

 

Location:

Verulium Roman Theatre, St Albans, Hertfordshire

Ceremonial County: Hertfordshire

Grid Reference:

TL134073

Map Link:

Multimap

Aerial photo: Google Aerial Photo     Multimap Aerial Photo

Route(s):

 

Best Times to Visit:

 

E-mail:

stalbans@struttandparker.co.uk

Website:

www.romantheatre.co.uk/index2.html

Other useful websites:

 

Nearby Locations: Verulamium
Other Relevant pages: Roman Britain

Classification:

Roman

Date Updated: 07/2008
 

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Planning Grid

Location:

Verulium Roman Theatre, St Albans, Hertfordshire

Grid Reference:

TL134073

Getting there:

The theatre is on the western outskirts of St Albans just of the A4147 in an area known as Bluehouse Hill.

Access:

 

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.

Facilities:

 

Things To Do, See and Photograph:

 

What to take:

 

Nature highlights:

 

Address:

The Roman Theatre of Verulamium

Bluehouse Hill

St Albans

Hertfordshire

Postcode:

AL3 6AE

Telephone:

01727 835035

Opening times:

All year daily. Summer 10am-5pm and Winter 10am to 4pm

Charges:

Adults £2; Children £1; Students and Seniors £1.50. Under 5's free.

Photo Restrictions:

 

Other Restrictions:  
Special Needs Access:  
Special Needs Facilities:  
Children Facilities:  
Dogs Allowed:  

CIN Page Ref:

verulamium

Date Updated: 07/2008

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