Verulamium, a Belgic and two Roman Cities

Abstract

THE fame of the excavations at Verulamium, by St. Albans, has been widespread. They were visited by many thousands, and accounts were constantly disseminated by the lay Press, as well as by technical journals. Dr. and Mrs. Wheeler have done more than anyone else to create a great and genuine popular interest in the archaeology of Great Britain. They have proved once and for all that English people do not need the enchantment of Egyptian or Mesopotamian distance to stimulate their enthusiasm for the unearthing of the past. Under the care of the Office of Works, and, in the case of the theatre, through the generosity of Lord Verulam, the remains of important buildings on the site are now permanently open to view, and the enlightened action of the St. Albans Corporation in initiating the whole enterprise will doubtless be maintained and extended in the future. The success of the work has been a fine example of co-operation between local and national authorities, private owners, archaeologists, volunteer students, and the general public. Now the official report, worthily published by the Society of Antiquaries, is before us as the abiding record of the whole four years' campaign. It is no less an abiding reminder of the irreparable loss that we have sustained a few months since in Mrs. Wheeler's grievously premature death.

Verulamium, a Belgic and two Roman Cities:

By Dr. R. E. M. Wheeler T. V. Wheeler. (Reports of the Research Committee of the Society of Antiquaries of London, No. 11.) Pp. xii + 244 + 120 plates. (London: Society of Antiquaries, 1936.) 15s.