Welwyn Roman Baths’ 50 years uncovered, celebrated with Archaeological Fair

Tucked beneath the A1 motorway, the Welwyn Roman Baths is one of Hertfordshire’s hidden historic treasures - a Scheduled Ancient Monument and part of the Dicket Mead Roman villa complex.

Discovered in 1960 by the late local archaeologist Tony Rook, the site was excavated by Lockleys Archaeological Society (later becoming Welwyn Archaeological Society), revealing a well-preserved Roman Bath House, once part of a much larger villa dating back to the early third century.

Now protected within a specially constructed steel vault beneath the motorway, the Baths offer a fascinating glimpse into Roman life, just metres below one of the country’s busiest roads. Visitors can explore the three key rooms – the frigidarium (cold room), tepidarium (warm room), and caldarium (hot room), once heated by an underfloor hypocaust system. In the caldarium, bathers would cleanse using oil and a curved tool called a strigil, before rinsing off in hot and cold plunge pools.

The 50 years uncovered celebrations are being run in partnership with Welwyn Archaeological Society. There will be talks by Dr. Kris Lockyear, Chair of Welwyn Archaeological Society and Senior Lecturer at University College London, as well as stalls from museums, archaeology groups and societies from all over Hertfordshire who will be showcasing what they do, with advice and ideas on how visitors can get involved in archaeology.

There will also be a display, titled ‘50 Years Uncovered’, featuring some never-before-seen images of Tony Rook, his family, and the excavation of the site. This too, has been developed in partnership with Welwyn Archaeological Society.

Tickets can be purchased on the Roman Bath’s website to attend the ‘Herts Archaeology Fair’ for £6 for adults and £2 for children.

Cllr Jane Quinton, Deputy Leader of Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council and Executive Member, Leisure and Community, said:

“We are very lucky to have such a historic site as the Welwyn Roman Baths in our borough and being able to share our local heritage with our community is key to its preservation. I am delighted that the first ever Herts Archaeology Fair is being held at the Baths to coincide with the Baths 50th Anniversary of its uncovering. The Fair promises to be a fantastic event with something for every member of the family and the demand for tickets will be high. Perhaps the next Tony Rook will be inspired to help reveal more archaeological treasures.”