The Hadrianic fire (c. AD 125–35)

Abstract

London north of the river was burnt to the ground in a fire that evidence suggests took place c. AD 125–6, with rebuilding underway c. AD 127–8. The evidence for the extent and date of this fire is summarized. The nature of the evidence, and parallels that can be drawn with London’s Boudican destruction, allows it to be suggested that London was deliberately burnt as an act of war. Historical sources hint at a major British war during Hadrian’s reign, although these leave us uncertain as to where and when it took place. The evidence of London’s destruction adds important new evidence to aid our interpretation of these sources. Following London’s destruction a new fort was built on the northern margins of town, the adjacent amphitheatre was rebuilt in stone, the harbour was rebuilt, and a new urban district laid out in the upper Walbrook valley. The architecture of these new building works is described.