Pye Road facts for kids
The Pye Road was a very important Roman road in ancient Britain. Imagine a super-highway built almost 2,000 years ago! This road connected two major Roman towns. It started at Venta Icenorum, which was the main town for the Iceni people. Today, we know this place as Caistor St Edmund near Norwich. The road then stretched all the way to Camulodunum, which was the first capital city of Roman Britain. Today, this is the town of Colchester.
Later, the Pye Road was made even longer. It reached the new Roman capital city, Londinium. This city was built north of the Thames river. Today, Londinium is known as London. This extended part of the road was also sometimes called the Great Road.
Exploring the Path of Pye Road
From Ancient Towns to Modern Roads
The Pye Road began its journey at Venta Icenorum (modern Caistor St Edmund). It then traveled towards Camulodunum (modern Colchester). Parts of this ancient route are still used today! For example, some sections follow the path of the modern A140 road.
The Road to London
Finding the exact path of the Pye Road between Colchester and London is a bit trickier. The original road was made of gravel, and over time, parts of it have been covered or changed. However, experts believe it followed some well-known routes in London today.
For instance, it is thought to have gone along what is now Ilford's High Street. It also likely followed Romford Road (which is the A118 today). The road then passed through an area that is now the Olympic Park. Finally, it continued along the line of Whitechapel Road to Aldgate. Aldgate is located in the northeast corner of the City of London.
