Roman London Wall at St Alphage Garden
Explore the ancient Roman and medieval layers of London's historic city wall nestled within the peaceful St Alphage Garden in Barbican.
The Roman London Wall at St Alphage Garden is a remarkable surviving section of the ancient defensive wall built around Londinium circa AD 200. Nestled in the Barbican area of London, this historic site features layered Roman and medieval stonework, including a brick parapet added in the 15th century. The adjacent St Alphage Garden, once a churchyard, offers a tranquil green space revealing centuries of London's urban evolution and defensive history.
A brief summary to Roman London Wall (St Alphage Garden Section)
- London, Barbican, GB
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for quieter moments and softer light on the wall and garden.
- Take time to observe the distinct horizontal red tile bands in the Roman masonry, a signature construction technique.
- Combine your visit with a walk around the Barbican estate to experience the contrast between ancient and modern London.
- Look for the remains of the medieval church tower adjacent to the wall, a rare glimpse into London's ecclesiastical past.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Public Transport
Take the London Underground to Barbican station on the Circle, Hammersmith & City, or Metropolitan lines, then walk approximately 7 minutes through the Barbican estate to reach St Alphage Garden. Tube fares range from £2.50 to £6 depending on travel zones and ticket type.
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Bus
Several London bus routes, including routes 153 and 214, stop near the Barbican Centre. From the bus stop, it is a 5 to 8-minute walk to the Roman Wall site. Bus fares are typically £1.75 with an Oyster or contactless card.
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Walking
If staying nearby, the site is accessible on foot via paved paths through the Barbican area. Walking times vary but expect around 10 to 15 minutes from Moorgate or Liverpool Street stations. Terrain is flat and suitable for most visitors.
Roman London Wall (St Alphage Garden Section) location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Roman London Wall (St Alphage Garden Section)
Origins and Roman Engineering Marvel
The Roman London Wall was constructed around AD 200 to protect Londinium, the Roman provincial capital. Stretching approximately 2 miles (3.2 km) and enclosing about 330 acres, the wall was a monumental feat of engineering. Built primarily from Kentish ragstone with distinctive horizontal bands of red ceramic tiles, the wall was originally 2 to 3 meters thick and up to 6 meters high. Its purpose was both defensive and symbolic, marking Londinium’s importance within the Roman Empire and safeguarding it against northern tribes such as the Picts.Medieval Adaptations and St Alphage Church
Following the Roman departure, the wall fell into disrepair but was later restored and heightened during the Anglo-Saxon and medieval periods. The section at St Alphage Garden incorporates medieval stonework and a brick parapet added in 1477 by King Edward IV to strengthen defenses during the Wars of the Roses. Adjacent to the wall stood St Alphage Church, established likely in the 11th century, with the wall forming its northern boundary. The church was closed in the late 16th century and demolished, but its tower remains as a ruin, reflecting the layered history of the site.Urban Evolution and Preservation
Over centuries, London expanded beyond the wall’s boundaries, and parts of the wall were built over or incorporated into buildings. The area around St Alphage was heavily bombed during World War II, exposing the Roman wall beneath later constructions. The site was transformed into St Alphage Garden, a peaceful public green space that preserves this historic fragment. Nearby, the Salters’ Hall gardens complement the site, managed by one of London’s ancient livery companies, linking the location to the city’s rich commercial and social heritage.Architectural Features and Archaeological Significance
Visitors can observe the robust Roman masonry with its characteristic tile courses, medieval additions, and remnants of the church tower. This blend of architectural layers illustrates London’s continuous occupation and adaptation from Roman times through the medieval era to the present. The wall’s survival offers a tangible connection to Londinium’s urban fabric and defensive strategies, making it a significant archaeological and historical landmark.Atmosphere and Visitor Experience
St Alphage Garden provides a tranquil oasis amid the bustling Barbican district, inviting reflection on London’s deep past. The preserved wall section and church ruins evoke a sense of continuity and resilience. The garden’s greenery contrasts with the ancient stonework, creating a unique ambiance where history and nature intertwine. The site is accessible year-round, offering a quiet retreat and a visual narrative of London’s layered history.Legacy and Cultural Importance
The Roman London Wall at St Alphage Garden stands as a testament to the city’s origins and its evolution through time. It highlights the strategic and symbolic importance of Londinium in Roman Britain and showcases medieval efforts to maintain and repurpose ancient structures. Today, it is a protected historical landmark, celebrated for its educational and cultural value, and serves as a focal point for understanding London’s enduring identity as a city shaped by its past.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Roman London Wall (St Alphage Garden Section)
0.0 km
Explore the ancient Roman and medieval layers of London's historic city wall nestled within the peaceful St Alphage Garden in Barbican.
London City wall
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London City Wall - Bastion 14
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Sir William Wallace Memorial
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St Christopher's Inn Liverpool Street
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Statue of James Henry Greathead
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Temple Bar London
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IMPRINT Church London: St Mary Woolnoth
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Liverpool Street
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Cornhill Fountain
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Bunhill Fields Burial Ground
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The National Firefighters Memorial
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Lombard St
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Queen Anne Statue
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Queen Victoria St
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Unmissable attractions to see
London Wall Museum Of London
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St Mary Aldermanbury Garden
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Barbican Centre
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Europe’s largest multi-arts centre, a Brutalist architectural icon and vibrant cultural hub in London’s Barbican Estate.
Guildhall
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The City Of London Police Museum
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Guildhall Library
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Guildhall Art Gallery
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London's Roman Amphitheatre
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St Lawrence Jewry
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St Anne & St Agnes Church
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St Botolph’s-without-Aldersgate
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Postman's Park
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A serene London park honoring everyday heroes through a unique memorial of selfless sacrifice, nestled near St Paul’s Cathedral.
Finsbury Circus Gardens
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London’s oldest and largest City green space, a historic and tranquil urban oasis blending heritage, nature, and modern design.
St Vedast alias Foster
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St Margaret Lothbury
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Essential places to dine
Madison
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St. John
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Dans le Noir ? London Restaurant
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Marugame Udon Middlesex Street
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14 Hills
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Experience modern British cuisine in a lush, sky-high garden with breathtaking panoramic views over London’s iconic skyline.
Mattarello Chiodo Bolognese Restaurant
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Authentic Bolognese pasta and gluten-free Italian delights in the heart of London’s Middlesex Street.
Barcelona Tapas Bar & Restaurant
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Authentic Spanish tapas and warm hospitality in the heart of London’s City since 1991.
Lyle's
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Michelin-starred Lyle's serves innovative, seasonal British cuisine in a minimalist Shoreditch setting with a relaxed, refined atmosphere.
Nest Restaurant Old Street
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La Dame de Pic London
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The Clove Club
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Sea Containers Restaurant
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Stylish Modern British dining with iconic Thames views on London’s vibrant Southbank, perfect for brunch, dinner, and special occasions.
George
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Paradiso Burger & Cocktail Bar Southbank
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Ikoyi Restaurant
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Barbican Shop
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Middlesex Textiles
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Petticoat Lane Market
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London's historic street market where 370 years of commerce, migration, and East End character converge.
Spitalfields Market
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Historic yet vibrant, Spitalfields Market blends East London’s rich heritage with a lively mix of food, art, and shopping all week long.
Commercial St
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Historic East London artery blending industrial heritage, vibrant markets, and cultural landmarks in the heart of Spitalfields.
Sclater Street Market
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Vintage treasures and eclectic finds in the heart of Shoreditch's bohemian marketplace.
Bankside Arches Boutique
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Discover unique London gifts and handcrafted treasures inside Blackfriars Station’s charming Bankside Arches Boutique.
Unique Gifts
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A compact London gift shop filled with original, handpicked presents and quirky souvenirs for those who love something different.
Pop Up Luxury Shop
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Exclusive, curated luxury shopping in a stylish London pop-up setting blending fashion innovation with boutique charm.
Fashion St
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DPUS Designer Outlet
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Authentic designer fashion outlet in Shoreditch’s historic Old Truman Brewery, blending luxury style with urban culture and unbeatable prices.
Borough Yards
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Traders Gate
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The Truman Brewery Markets
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London Silver Vaults
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Demon, Wise & Partners
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Flight Club Shoreditch
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Aviary
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The Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar near Old Street
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The Chocolate Cocktail Club
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Dirty Dicks
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The Bootlegger
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The Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar near Monument
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The Astronomer, EC1
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The Alchemist Bevis Marks
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Punch Tavern
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Black Parrot
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Nightjar Shoreditch
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Simmons Bar | Old Street
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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The Steel Yard
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XOYO LONDON
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The Hoxton Pony
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Trafik
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Basing House - Shoreditch
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Carwash Nightclub
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Experience Europe’s longest-running disco club in London’s West End, where retro beats, vibrant crowds, and themed parties create unforgettable nights.
Proud Late
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Bunga Bunga Covent Garden
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Ministry of Sound
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The Roxy
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Comedy Carnival Covent Garden
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E1
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Cirque Du Soul
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We Are Waterloo
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Historic
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Nature Escape
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
