Ongoing restoration work at Bath Assembly Rooms in the northern part of Bath has uncovered significant Roman archaeological remains, including a network of ditches containing various artifacts. The finds consist of nearly 60 pottery fragments, glass vessels, animal bones, roof tiles, Roman coins, and a limestone tessera that may have been part of a mosaic. Particularly notable among the discoveries is a fragment of a Roman military helmet, along with evidence of a timber-framed building that once stood at the site.
Archaeologists from Wessex Archaeology indicate that these discoveries help fill important gaps in understanding Roman settlement patterns in Bath. The finds suggest that ordinary residents occupied this suburban area, engaging in commerce and daily activities similar to modern suburban populations. The residents appear to have been integrated settlers from throughout the Roman Empire, representing a significant shift from the pre-Roman period. Higher-status individuals, including retired military officials, likely lived in villas located further up the hill from this area.
The archaeological work was made possible by the construction methods used when Bath Assembly Rooms was built in the late 18th century. The Georgian builders relied on the region’s thick clay for structural support rather than deep foundations, which left Roman ditches and deposits undisturbed for modern excavation. Experts suggest that additional Roman remains likely exist beneath neighboring Georgian buildings and streets in the area.
Bath’s significance as a Roman settlement centers on the thermal springs, around which the Romans constructed Aquae Sulis following military campaigns. The site developed into an important pilgrimage destination for people seeking therapeutic benefits from the mineral-rich waters. The restoration project at Bath Assembly Rooms, budgeted at £20m, also addresses damage from second world war bombing and will preserve original Georgian features before reopening.
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