Reasons for Designation
Roman amphitheatres are rare monuments in Britain, there being only twelve
known examples. This example is of particular importance because of its
association with the Roman provincial capital of Londinium, a factor reflected
in its size. The site would have provided the main focus of entertainment
within the capital, the provision of which was seen as one of the marks of
Roman civilised life. Additionally, it is unusual in that it is located
inside the later walled defences of Londinium and also close to the fort. It
is one of only five of Britain's amphitheatres to show a military rather than
civilian connection this way.
The excavations on the site have demonstrated that archaeological remains
survive well and extensively. In particular, the waterlogged conditions have
led to the excellent preservation of timber and other normally perishable
remains. This has given an insight into structural details not normally
preserved.
Details
The monument is an elliptical amphitheatre, c.105m long and 85m wide,
externally sealed beneath Guildhall Yard and its surrounding buildings.
Although located beneath these later buildings, its extent and general ground
plan can be discerned from its effect on the topography of this area of the
city, in particular whose streets established in the 10th and 11th centuries
have obviously been routed to avoid it. Moreover, an area corresponding to
the centre of the arena has been kept an open space since at least the 14th
century.
Partial excavations by the Museum of London in 1951, 1985 and 1987-8 have
provided much detail on the structural form of the monument. Of particular
note is the preservation of timber remains as this was a major material used
in the original construction. The degree of preservation is such that many
fine details of construction, which would not normally survive on a 'dry' site
have been investigated and recorded. Features revealed include an outer wall
retaining the seating banks, the inner arena wall and the arena itself, an
east entrance with two side-chambers likely to have been shrines or changing
rooms, a porch, plank-lined drains and sumps, timber thresholds and a piled
structure round the inside of the arena wall. This work has indicated that
the site was in use between the early 2nd century and c.AD360. By the late
4th century, however, stone was being robbed from the site suggesting it had
fallen out of use. After a period of neglect, building began on the site in
the early Medieval period and has continued down to the present day.
All buildings on the site are excluded from this scheduling although the
ground beneath them is included. Additionally all roads within the proposed
constraint area are excluded, but the remains beneath them are included.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
13201
Legacy System:
RSM
Sources
Books and journals Other
Legal
This monument is scheduled under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979 as amended as it appears to the Secretary of State to be of national importance. This entry is a copy, the original is held by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
End of official list entry
