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Leicester's Museum of Archaeology is placed in the wonderful setting of the remains of the Roman town's public baths. The Jewry Wall is one of Leicester's most famous landmarks. It is a rare example of Roman walling which has survived for nearly 2000 years. The Jewry Wall is the second largest piece of surviving Roman building in this country. Its two arched doorways formed the entrance to the Roman public bathhouse, the remains of which are laid out in front of the Wall.
The origin of the name is a mystery. It may have been named after Leicester's medieval Jewish community who were expelled from Leicester by the town charter of 1250. Another possibility is that the wall came to be associated with the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem, all which survived of the great Jewish temple destroyed by the Romans.
The adjacent museum tells the story of Leicester from prehistory through to the end of the medieval period. The museum holds Leicestershire's archaeological collections ranging in date from 300,000 years ago to the end of the Middle Ages. The Roman collections are particularly exciting and include what experts describe as the finest Roman mosaic in this country and three very rare examples of magnificent Roman wall painting.
Opening Times
February - November
Saturdays: 11.00am to 4.30pm
Sundays : 11.00am to 4.30pm
Closed: Monday - Friday
During school holidays
Open 7 days a week
Open weekdays in term time for prearranged school and community groups.
Closed December and January
Admission: FREE.
Address
The Jewry Wall Museum & Site
St. Nicholas Circle
Leicester
LE1 4LB
Tel: 0116 225 4971
email:museums@leicester.gov.uk
Map of the Area
Related Links
 The National Cirtual Museum
Leicester City Museums
Leicester Through Lens
Museums Main Page
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