Wroxeter (or ‘Viroconium’) was the fourth largest city in Roman Britain. It began as a legionary fortress and later developed into a thriving civilian city. Though much still remains below ground, today the most impressive features are the 2nd century municipal baths, and the remains of the huge wall dividing them from the exercise hall in the heart of the city.

In February 1859 workmen began excavating and the present site was exposed and thronged with fascinated visitors, including Charles Dickens. Donated by the landowner for public viewing, Wroxeter became one of the first archaeological visitor attractions in Britain.

It is open to the public and managed by English Heritage.

Thanks to a project between English Heritage and Channel 4, a Roman town house has been erected at Wroxeter for a TV series called ‘Rome Wasn’t Built in a Day’, following a team of modern builders as they set about building the town house using traditional Roman methods, which is also open for visitors to explore.