LContin_The Romans

The conquest of Britain took place in years 43-47 AD under Emperor Claudius. The first thing the Roman did was involve the conquered tribes in the administration of the province. They encouraged the growth of towns and centres of vibrant commercial activity.

Town boundaries contained a regular network of streets and were surrounded by stone walls. The centre of Roman town was the forum or town hall. It was here that courts of justice were held, though it could also be used for merchant’s assemblies. Roads joined the towns together and made the movement of commercial very easy. The most important monument built by the Romans in Britain was Hadrian’s Wall, constructed as a defensive fortification and customs barrier from the east coast to the west coast between England and Scotland.

 The beginnings of London can be dated in 43 AD, when the Romans built a bridge across the River Thames. The bridge proved a convenient central point for the new network of roads and Londinium quickly became an important centre commercial.