Town life: in detail

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The basilica and forum, a centre for trade and discussion, artist's reconstruction

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Billingsgate bath house, artist's reconstruction

How was the town organised?

The Forum and Basilica were at the centre of the town on top of a hill. The main north-south road ran from the Forum to the Roman London bridge, with an east-west road running through the centre of the town. The bridge linked the settlement north of the river with Roman Southwark, which was a settlement of 3000 people by the end of the second century AD. The main baths were by the river. Archaeologists have also excavated smaller bathhouses on Cheapside and at the nearby settlement in Shadwell.

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Recording the hypocaust (underfloor heating system) of a small private bath house at 1 Poultry

How did people earn their living?

This would depend on who you were. Most Roman Londoners probably worked a 7- day week, with days off for public holidays and religious festivals. The governor's staff worked in administrative offices. Merchants had shops and offices in or near the Forum depending on how wealthy they were. Ordinary craftspeople had workshops attached to their houses. Other trades were grouped together beside local streams.

Did town life change?
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