London’s Roman Amphitheatre

A circle of stone in the courtyard outside the City of London’s Guildhall marks the location of Londinium’s Amphitheatre, 20 feet below. Discovered during excavation work for the new Guildhall Art Gallery, the remains of London’s Roman Amphitheatre date from the 2nd century AD. It was situated in the north-west corner of the city, close to the fort that once stood by London Wall and not far from some public baths. It had a capacity for an audience of 7,000 watching animal fights, executions and – top of the bill – gladiatorial contests. To be fair, there is not a great deal to see now. However, the ruins of the eastern entrance, including sections of wooden drains, are displayed in an innovative, atmospheric, way, underneath the art gallery – which is where you need to enter to see the amphitheatre.