Forts and frontiers
London Wall at Tower Hill
Read Roman tile bands and later rebuilding in one of London’s most substantial surviving stretches of city wall.
The wall near Tower Hill preserves several stages in London’s long defensive history. Its Roman beginnings date to around AD 200, but the tall structure visible today includes major medieval additions. It should not be described as an unchanged Roman wall from top to bottom.
Look low on the masonry for the characteristic horizontal bands of red tiles, which helped bond the construction. Compare them with the different fabric above. The wall defined an edge of the city and controlled movement through gates as well as providing a defensive barrier.
Later buildings enclosed and obscured parts of the circuit. The present open setting is itself a product of clearance and conservation. Nearby, a copy of the Classicianus monument inscription and a much later copy of a statue associated with Trajan add further historical layers; the statue is not evidence that Trajan built the wall.
Use the English Heritage access information for the exact approach from Tower Hill. Modern steps and changes of level matter when planning a route. Keep off the masonry and compare this outdoor section with the wall displayed under cover at Vine Street.
What to look for
- Identify the lower tile-banded Roman work.
- Find where later masonry changes the structure.
- Use a city plan to understand how the surviving fragment relates to a larger circuit.
Plan a visit
Use the official information below for current opening, admission, access and any closures. Details can change with the season. A site plan is useful both before a visit and when reading the remains on the ground.
Sources and further reading
Romans in Britain · People · Places · Learning resources