The forgotten Roman Museum of Canterbury

This lovely, underground museum is situated just a stone's throw away from the Cathedral. Ok, a little more than a stone's throw but not by much. Walk 5 minutes from the Cathedral and you're there! I mean, you can pretty much get anywhere in Canterbury within 5 minutes; it's a very small city!


Within this underground haven of Roman artefacts, you can find an original Roman mosaic discovered after bombs from WWII destroyed the building above. This mosaic is built into the floor, and used to form part of a walkway from a house to the baths that used to stand nearby 2000 thousand years ago. Unfortunately, once the Romans left England to return to Italy in order to fight for their own Rome, this city in Kent was left to it's own devices. As seen in the museum, earlier depictions of how the city used to look shows us that there once stood a Theatre, in Colosseum style shape, a large network of public baths, an excellent city wall complete with 8 entrances and numerous other buildings. All that remains above ground today is part of the old wall and one entrance to the city; the West Gate. However, under this street, Butchery Lane, you can witness the wondrous artistic abilities of the Romans. The mosaic and it's path are fairly large and with the obvious foundations of an old house, it is definitely a sight to see!


As well as this magnificent piece of the past, the Roman Museum houses many items found in nearby locations; from coins to pottery, to bones, to jewellery, to sacrificial objects.


This museum is not very well signposted, and as a result many often skip right past. I, for one, never knew of it's existence until after 3 years of living there. Although a little pricey at £8, especially when the majority of major history museums in London are free, it is definitely worth a visit. There is a "hands on" area for all the family to enjoy and you can completely transport yourself back in time within the dark corridors, trying on outfits of the era. If you find yourself in this beautifully breathtaking city, be sure not to miss it!


http://www.canterbury.co.uk/thedms.aspx?dms=13&venue=3030500