City Wall at Vine Street

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to stand face to face with a piece of London’s ancient history? Here at the City Wall at Vine Street, you can do just that. Tucked away in the basement of the Urbanest student accommodation building, this section of the City Wall is a fascinating reminder of London’s Roman past. The City Wall at Vine Street is a small, but significant piece of Londinium’s defenses. It was built by the Romans sometime between 190 and 230 AD to protect the growing city. Today, you can walk along the City Wall at Vine Street and imagine the lives of the people who lived and worked here over 2,000 years ago. Archaeologists uncovered this section of the City Wall during the construction of an office block in the 1970s. When the office block was rebuilt, the City Wall was incorporated into the new design, making it accessible to the public. Archaeologists also uncovered many artefacts during the excavation, giving us clues to how the people of ancient Londinium lived. And while you’re here, be sure to explore the gallery and see the artefacts found at the site. There are a few surprises too, like a tombstone from the eastern Mediterranean, dated to the early 200s BC. It’s a reminder that even in ancient times, people were drawn to the wonders of the world and brought treasures back home with them. The City Wall at Vine Street might be small, but it’s a powerful testament to the enduring legacy of the Romans in London. It is evidence of their presence and their ability to build structures that have stood the test of time for nearly two thousand years. So take a moment to reflect on this little piece of history and imagine the bustling city of Londinium, as you stand face to face with a piece of London’s ancient past.