Roman Canterbury

The Roman Museum Remembering Canterbury 1600 Years Ago

Roman Museum Canterbury
Roman Museum Canterbury

In 43 AD the Romans invaded Britain. Late in the 1st century they took over the Celtic settlement of Canterbury and rebuilt it. The Romans called the new town Durovernum Cantiacorum. They laid out the new streets in a grid pattern and built public buildings in stone.


In the centre of Roman Canterbury was the Forum, an open space lined by shops and by the basilica a kind of town hall. The Forum acted as the market place. In Roman Canterbury there were temples.

There were also public baths. In Roman times going to the baths was not just a way to keep clean it was also a way to socialise. It was the Roman equivalent of going to the pub


The town flourished for 300 years but in the 4th century Roman civilisation declined. After the Romans left Britain in 407 AD town life broke down and Canterbury was probably abandoned.


There is now a small worthwhile Roman museum in the heart of Canterbury. Its not heavily promoted like its more commercial rivals and to date has no dedicated web site. Its found in Butchery Lane in the heart of Canterbury's medieval maze of alleys and narrow streets, only about 200m from the tourist office and Canterbury Cathedral.


Its very easy to walk straight past it, even when you're actively looking.


The Roman Museum itself is underground at the level of the original Roman town with just the small entrance pictured above at street level.

It's a mix of excavated real objects: authentic reconstruction's; and preserved remains of a Roman town house with its famous mosaics.


Canterbury Overview
Canterbury Cathedral
Roman Museum
Walking Tours
Other Things To Do
 
Leeds Castle
Dover Castle
Getting There
Canterbury
Leeds Castle
Dover
 
Day Tours From London

Reconstructions include a Roman market place, with a shoe maker, fabric seller and fruit and vegetable stall. There is also part of a house with its kitchen set out in authentic detail.

A skilful computer program brings together pictures of the excavations on the site, and from the archaeologists' detail it generates reconstruction images of what the great house found here was like in Roman times.


Admission charges are very modest and the museum is open every day, except Sunday, Good Friday and at Christmas.

Leeds Castle, Greenwich and Canterbury Tour

- Private viewing of Leeds castle - The loveliest castle in the world.

- Free time to enjoy the rest of the Castle including the Henry II tower

- Entrance to Canterbury Cathedral

- Walking tour of historic Greenwich

- Tea/sparkling wine and scones served on River Thames cruise


After being picked up directly from or close to your hotel, we drive straight to Leeds Castle. for a unique private viewing before the castle opens to the public.

From here we travel to the coast to have lunch in a charming inn overlooking the White Cliffs of Dover and with breathtaking views of the English Channel.


Our afternoon is spent enjoying the delights of Canterbury with its magnificent Cathedral, before heading to Greenwich where we hear fascinating maritime tales about this historic town.

As the sun begins to set we board our luxury boat for a Champagne cruise along the river Thames taking us all the way back to London.

What a day!

Leeds Castle and Canterbury - Full Tour Details

Dover Castle, Canterbury, Greenwich and Thames River Cruise Tour

- Unique opportunity to walk through the wartime tunnels at Dover Castle

- Free time to enjoy the rest of the Castle including the Henry II tower

- Lunch in ancient Canterbury - food and drinks included

- Walking tour of historic Greenwich

- Cruise on the Thames from Greenwich back to London

You've heard of the famous white cliffs of Dover?

This is your chance to see them. Following our scenic drive along the old coastal road with a chance to see the historic white cliffs. On a clear day you can even see France. Dover itself is an historic port with a magnificent 12th century castle.

Dover Castle is the oldest fort in England and has been strategic in the country's defence even up to and including WW1 and WW2. Originally strengthened from an Anglo-Saxon fort in 1066 by William the Conqueror with further additions made by Henry II and Henry VIII.

Dover Castle, Canterbury, Greenwich and Thames River Cruise - Full Tour Details