Studies indicate that
Walcot formed a focal point for the local road network in the Roman
period, in much the same way as it does today.
From excavations and
casual finds it is known that Walcot Street was also an area of dense
Romano - British occupation.
It is probably the oldest
commercial street in Bath. Since the late 1980s, evidence gathered
by Bath Archaeological Trust at the northern end of Walcot Street
has led to a complete reappraisal of the development of Bath as a
town during the Roman occupation of Britain.
Prior to these excavations
the Baths and Temple complex, begun in mid 1st century, was widely
considered to have been the main focus of Roman urban activity.
However, there is a strong
possibility that the complex may have stood in isolation in an area
of open countryside when it was first completed.
The lack of urban characteristics
in the early Roman period in the area around the baths suggests that
the focus of these activities may have developed here at Walcot. Indeed,
there is enough evidence to suggest that there was a substantial settlement
at the north end of Walcot Street and scattered occupation around
and to the south.
It is possible to imagine
the Roman street as having a similar character to that of today; shops,
living accommodation, small industry and a busy through road.
Visit the website of
Bath Archaeological Trust at: www.batharchaeology.co.org
