Roman artefacts discovered beneath Bath Assembly Rooms

Archaeologists working beneath Bath Assembly Rooms have uncovered a collection of Roman artefacts which could shed new light on the extent of Roman activity across the city.

The discoveries were made during work connected to the £20 million refurbishment of the historic Assembly Rooms, which are due to reopen in 2027.

Excavations around a metre below ground revealed a network of Roman ditches, with archaeologists recovering almost 60 fragments of Roman pottery from one ditch alone.

Other finds include glass vessels, animal bones, roof tiles, three Roman coins and a limestone tessera, a small cubed tile which may once have formed part of a mosaic floor.

Perhaps the most intriguing discovery is a fragment of a Roman military helmet.

Experts believe the find provides further evidence of the involvement of military personnel in the development of Roman Bath and the roads leading from the city.

The discoveries could also broaden understanding of how far Roman occupation extended beyond the area most visibly associated with the Roman Baths today.

Tatjana LeBoff, Project Curator, said the finds raise questions about what else could remain beneath Bath’s Georgian streets.

“It’s opened up the possibility that Bath may not just be the Roman Bath we see today above ground, but it could have extended further,” she said.

“It makes you wonder when you’re walking through the city, about the layers of history hidden beneath our feet.”

The excavation is being carried out by teams from Wessex Archaeology, with the refurbishment providing a rare opportunity to investigate ground beneath the Grade I listed Georgian building.

Archaeologist Marek Lewcun said it was not yet clear exactly what activity was taking place on the site during the Roman period, with future archaeological work in neighbouring streets and properties potentially providing further clues.

The excavation has revealed more recent history too. Finds dating from the 18th century include a clay pipe and wig curlers, offering a glimpse into the lives of people who visited the Assembly Rooms during their Georgian heyday.

The Roman artefacts discovered during the project are expected to go on temporary display when the transformed Bath Assembly Rooms reopen in 2027.