Wroxeter (Viroconium Cornoviorum) – Quick Facts

Where

Wroxeter, Shropshire MapWebsite

When

  • The site began as a military fort used as a base to campaign in the 50s AD by the 14th Legion Gemina. This first campaign was interrupted by the Boudiccan rebellion in AD 60.
  • In the 70s the fort was used by Agricola and the 20th Legion Valeria Victrix.This legion was moved to Chester in the 80s.
  • With the departure of the 20th legion, Viroconiumbecame a town, a civitascapital for the Tribe of the Cornovii.
  • It grew to become the fourth largest town in Roman Britain and home to around 5000 people.
  • It sat at the crossroads of Watling Street which began in the southwest at Dover, and Watling Street West which ran south from Chester to Caerleon.

What Remains

  • The towering south wall of the basilica entrance of the public baths called the Old Work. This pinkish structure stands about 15 to 20 feet high. It is the tallest free-standing Roman structure in Britain.
  • Foundations of the baths including the change room, cold room, tepid and hot rooms.
  • An outdoor shallow plunge pool and the exercise yard of the baths.
  • Foundations of latrine and tavern as part of the bath complex.
  • Foundations of a market hall with courtyard.
  • Row of column bases that were once part of the Forum.
  • A reconstruction of a Roman town house.