Ribchester

Roman Bath-House

I have always wanted to visit the Roman fort at Ribchester, the Romans named it Brematennacum. It was built during the Flavian Dynasty, between 69 and 96 CE. Sometime later around the year 100 CE they built this amazing stone bath-house, for use by Cavalry men and the local population of veterans. As the original fort was constructed with timber the bath house was located outside the timber walls of the fort as a precaution against fire. In the excellent illustration below left, you can see where the concrete floors were raised up on pillars and a series of furnaces/flues warmed the rooms and floors. It is believed the bath house had fallen into disuse by 225 CE. The circular well, seen to the left in the image below, is a later medieval addition. During excavations conducted in 1978 a large number of pottery shards and several coins from the reigns of Trajan 98-117 CE and Antoninus Pius 138-161 CE were found. The bath-house is open daily between Easter and 31st October, from 9.00am to Dusk. Admission is free.

Sudatorium (Sweating room) in the foreground