Show: Life in Roman London
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Uncover the tales of Roman Londinium.
Every artefact has a story to tell. Using real archaeological evidence, uncover the tales of Londinium, a bustling city shaped by people, trade and cultures from across the Roman Empire. Explore how migration built the city and discover how archaeologists can piece together the stories of ordinary people from 2,000 years ago.
Guided by a storyteller, select a real Roman Londoner and set out on a choose-your-own-adventure tale, making decisions about how to navigate London living and encountering real Roman objects along the way.
Whose story will you choose? Where will your choices take you? And what will you discover about life in Roman London?
Shows take place in the N. Sethia Showspace. Our shows programme was developed with the kind support of Terra Firma Capital Partners, with ongoing support for Showspace from Tishman Speyer.
Please be aware that this show contains some discussions of human remains, enslavement and arranged marriage. Please get in touch with the Learning team if you have any questions about the content, or to discuss any particular sensitivities within your class.
Pupils will:
- understand what life was like in Roman London
- develop an awareness of the diversity of Roman London
- understand what archaeological evidence can tell us about life in the past
Key stage 3: History – the Roman Empire and its impact on Britain.
Pupils will learn about:
- Roman Britain and Roman London
- Boudica and British resistance
- the impact of the Roman Empire on Britain, including culture, beliefs, migration and food
- archaeology, historical enquiry and primary sources
When you arrive at the museum, one of our friendly team members will greet you and show you to toilets, galleries and Showspace. They'll be on hand to answer any questions you may have.
During the show, you will be part of a shared experience with other schools, with up to three classes attending at the same time. You will:
- be seated together in a theatre space, sitting on large benches
- watch a live Romans show designed for key stage 3
- be encouraged to participate throughout
When you book, you will be given a timetable for your visit including:
- your arrival time
- time to explore the Roman Shop and Home gallery
- free time
No food or drink is allowed inside Showspace.
Need to know
All shows are completely free but advance booking is required.
Book Life in Roman London – PM show (1pm showtime)
Find us at London Museum, General Market, West Smithfield, London, EC1A 9AG.
The closest stations are Farringdon (Elizabeth line, Thameslink, Circle, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan), Barbican (Circle, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan) and St Paul's (Central).
Lots of bus routes also stop within a short walk of the museum, including 4, 8, 25, 46, 56, 63, 100, 172, 242, 521.
There is a dedicated space for wheelchairs. Please let us know when booking if you require wheelchair space.
Anyone can leave the room at any point during the show, but children must be accompanied by an adult.
Shows take place at 1pm and last for one hour including entry and exit from Showspace.
Your arrival time, gallery visit and break slot will be assigned based on which show you book. You will be sent a full timetable when you book.
Please be aware that you are booking a timetabled package that includes a set arrival time, show time, self-led gallery time and a break slot.
Unfortunately, our dedicated lunch space isn’t ready yet but we’re working on it.
We require a minimum of 15 pupils per booking. Each booking can accommodate up to 30 pupils and 6 accompanying adults.
Please do not take any photos or videos in Showspace as there will be pupils from other schools present.
Although schools can book shows for free, we will need to charge a cancellation fee for any cancellations or no-shows to cover staff costs.
