St Albans
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Roman Theatre of Verulamium

Roman Theatre

Just a short walk from Verulamium Museum is the Roman Theatre, the only visible example in Britain. It was linked to two temples dedicated to Romano-British gods and would have been used primarily at times of religious festivals but also for armed combat and wild beast shows. Its fine acoustics were perfectly suited to musical and dramatic performances. Close by are the foundations of a Roman town house, a secret shrine and a row of Roman shops.

The Roman Theatre of Verulamium is unique. Built in about 140AD it is the only example of its kind in Britain, being a theatre with a stage rather than an Amphitheatre. Initially, the arena would have been used for anything from religious processions and dancing, to wrestling, armed combat and wild beast shows. From about 180AD the stage came into greater use and the auditorium extended. By about 300AD, after some redevelopment work, the Theatre could seat 2000 spectators.

The ruins one can see today were unearthed in 1847. Subsequent excavations have revealed a row of shop foundations, a Roman Villa and a secret shrine, all thought to date from the First Century.

Opening hours Opening hours: 1000–1700 hrs daily. (1000–1600 hrs in winter) Address and contact details
Bluehouse Hill, St Albans
Postcode: AL3 6AE
Tel: +44(0) 1727 835 035
 Web: www.romantheatre.co.uk

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