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Wroxeter Roman City
Travel Information and nearby accommodation
The 1st century Roman city of Viroconium Cornoviorum, complete with bath and forum. Wroxeter was the fourth largest city in Roman Britain, and this importance is reflected in the remains of the city. The site was lost for centuries before it was rediscovered in the Victorian period. Such was the public interest in the subsequent excavation of Wroexter that the landowner donated the site to the public, making it one of the very first archaeological sites in Britain to become a tourist attraction regularly open to visitors.
Viroconium began as a legionary fort. A settlement grew up around the fort, and became a thriving city of great importance, numbering in excess of 5000 inhabitants at its height. Most of the population that swelled this new city came from the ranks of retired legionaries and tradesmen. The city grew to cover an area of some 73 hectares and acted as the tribal capital of the Cornovii. The civic areas were some of the largest inBritain, with the bath and forum occupying 2 entire insulae, or city blocks.
The most impresive remains to view include the municipal baths. These date from the 2nd century and stand beside a large exercise hall. After the Roman influence waned, the site became the headquarters of a British or Irish chieftan. Unlike many other Roman cities, Wroxeter was not redeveloped as a Saxon or medieval centre, with the result that we can more easily see the Roman layout of the city. Aeral photographs have also revealed the existence of a Romano-British temple.
Stones from Virocnium were used in the construction of Wroxeter parish church, a short distance away.
Shrewsbury,
Shrewsbury,
Shropshire,
England, SY5 6PH
About Wroxeter Roman City
Attraction Type: Roman
Location: 5 miles east of Shrewsbury on the B4380
Website: Wroxeter Roman City
Phone: 01743 761 330
English Heritage
Location
map
Wroxeter Roman City Photos
OS SJ565 081
Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express
Heritage Rating:  ?
Photos of Wroxeter Roman City
The Old Work |
The Old Work 2 |
Roman wall |
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Nearest Accommodation to Wroxeter Roman City
Nearest Self Catering Cottages |
 Rickyard Cottage -
4.2
miles from Wroxeter Roman City
Leighton, Shropshire
Sleeps: 2
Stay from: £170 |
 The Byre Cottage -
4.2
miles from Wroxeter Roman City
Leighton, Shropshire
Sleeps: 4
Stay from: £180 |
 The Cornhouse -
4.2
miles from Wroxeter Roman City
Leighton, Shropshire
Sleeps: 4
Stay from: £195 |
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Nearest Tourist
Information Centre
Shrewsbury
Tourist Information Centre
The Music Hall
The Square
Shrewsbury
Shropshire
England
SY1 1LH
Tel: 01743 281 200
Fax: 01743 281 213
Email: visitorinfo@shrewsbury.gov.uk
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