Verulamium
Before the Romans arrived, a tribal centre called Verlamion stood in what is now Hertfordshire. The Catuvellauni people established this settlement under their leader Tasciovanus. He minted coins there to mark his authority over the land. Scholars reconstruct the name as *Uerulāmion, meaning "the tribe or settlement of the broad hand" in Brittonic. This pre-Roman form appears among the earliest recorded place names in Britain. Ptolemy's Geography lists it alongside other major settlements of the era.
In 61 AD, Boudica of the Iceni ordered the destruction of Verulamium during her revolt against Rome. Archaeologists have found a black ash layer confirming the Roman written record of the town being sacked and burnt. The settlement was granted municipium status around AD 50 before this event. Citizens held Latin Rights, a lesser citizenship than full Roman citizens. After the fire, the town grew steadily again. By the early 3rd century, it covered an area behind a deep ditch and wall. Stone replaced timber construction at least twice over the next 150 years.
The site marks the martyrdom of Saint Alban, the first British Christian martyr. A Roman patrician named Alban sheltered Amphibalus, a priest fleeing persecution. He converted to Christianity through Amphibalus' influence. Alban was condemned to death in the 3rd century for his actions. Bede records the story, as do monks from the abbey including Brother Matthew Paris. His Anglo-Norman Vie de Seint Auban preserves the narrative. The modern city takes its name from Alban, either a citizen or a Roman soldier who died for his faith.
A unique theatre stands on the grounds of the Gorhambury Estate today. It is the only fully excavated example of its kind in Britain with a stage rather than an amphitheatre. Parts of the city walls remain visible along the River Ver. A hypocaust system still exists under a mosaic floor within the ruins. Ground penetrating radar has revealed outlines of buildings as smudges beneath agricultural land. Deep ploughing has damaged many structures, especially in the north western part of the old Roman city. A complete tile kiln was found in Park Street some distance away during the 1970s.
Medieval builders quarried stone from the Roman city to construct St Albans Abbey. Much of the Norman abbey used Roman brick and stone visible today. The site may have been where Saint Alban was executed or buried. An archaeological excavation in 1978 directed by Martin Biddle failed to find Roman remains under the medieval chapter house. The Saxon inhabitants knew their ancient neighbour as Verulamacæstir or Vaeclingscæstir. This hybrid name meant "the fortress of the followers of Wæcla". The modern city takes its name from Alban who died for his faith.
The Verulamium Museum sits on a site once occupied by the forum. It is now located on the edge of Verulamium Park. Mortimer Wheeler and his wife Tessa Wheeler conducted excavations there during the 1930s. The museum contains large colourful mosaics plus pottery jewellery tools and coins from the Roman period. Sir Francis Bacon built a refined small house called Verulam House within the walls of ancient Verulamium. He took the title Baron Verulam when ennobled in 1618 after the town. The barony became extinct after he died without heirs in 1626. An asteroid named 4206 Verulamium honours the ancient city.
Common questions
What was the original name of Verulamium before Roman arrival?
The pre-Roman settlement was called Verlamion. Scholars reconstruct this Brittonic name as Uerulāmion meaning the tribe or settlement of the broad hand.
When did Boudica destroy Verulamium during her revolt against Rome?
Boudica ordered the destruction of Verulamium in 61 AD. Archaeologists have found a black ash layer confirming the town was sacked and burnt that year.
Who is Saint Alban and what happened to him at Verulamium?
Saint Alban was the first British Christian martyr who sheltered a priest named Amphibalus. He was condemned to death in the 3rd century for his actions and became the namesake of the modern city.
Where can visitors see the unique theatre ruins of ancient Verulamium today?
A unique theatre stands on the grounds of the Gorhambury Estate today. It remains the only fully excavated example of its kind in Britain with a stage rather than an amphitheatre.
How did medieval builders use stone from the Roman city of Verulamium?
Medieval builders quarried stone from the Roman city to construct St Albans Abbey. Much of the Norman abbey used Roman brick and stone visible today.
All sources
6 references cited across the entry
- 2webThe Roman Theatre - The Gorhambury EstateThe Gorhambury Estates Company Ltd
- 5webChapter House History - The Cathedral and Abbey Church of Saint AlbanStalbanscathedral.org