Billingsgate Roman House and Baths

Roman Houses

Billingsgate Roman House and Baths is an archaeological site in the City of London, England. It was discovered in 1848 during the construction of a fish market and was one of the first Roman buildings to be excavated in the city.

The site consists of the remains of a Roman house and bathhouse that were built in the late 2nd century AD. The house was a lavish, two-story structure that likely belonged to a wealthy Roman merchant. It was constructed from brick and stone and had a central courtyard surrounded by rooms with intricate mosaic floors.

The bathhouse, which was located in the basement of the house, was a complex structure with a series of interconnected rooms and pools. It was heated by an underfloor heating system, known as a hypocaust, which was fuelled by a furnace located in a nearby room.

The house and bathhouse were in use for several centuries and underwent a number of renovations and modifications over time. It is thought that the site was abandoned in the 5th century AD, around the time of the decline of the Roman Empire.

Today, the remains of Billingsgate Roman House and Baths are open to the public and can be viewed at an underground exhibition space in the City of London. The site provides a fascinating insight into the daily life and culture of the Romans who lived in London nearly 2,000 years ago. Visitors can see the intricate mosaic floors, the remains of the hypocaust heating system, and other artefacts that have been uncovered at the site.

The house was most likely already in ruins by the year 500. 

Visiting Billingsgate Roman House and Baths

  • Public tours take place on Saturdays between April and November.
  • Prices: Adult: £10, Concession: £8
  • Address: 101 Lower Thames Street, City of London, London, EC3R 6DX
Sites near Billingsgate Roman House and Baths

Visiting Billingsgate Roman House and Baths

Official Website