Akeman Street - Definition and Overview

Akeman Street was a major Roman road in England that linked London to the Fosse Way at Cirencester. Its route passed through various towns and villages including Hemel Hempstead, Berkhamsted, Tring, Aylesbury and Bicester before changing direction towards the south-west going past Woodstock and Witney to the north before heading into Cirencester.

Part of the road is still in use today, between London and Bicester, as the A41.

The origins of the road's name are uncertain but certainly date back to the Dark Ages. Some have suggested that "Akeman" derives from the Anglo-Saxon words for "oak-man". Others have suggested a connection with Bath, which the Anglo-Saxons called Acemannesceastre (Acemannes apparently being a corruption of the Roman name Aquae Sulis). It is unclear how this might have become associated with the road.

See also

• Roman Britain
• Roman roads in Britain

External link

• Map of Roman roads in Britain (http://www.romans-in-britain.org.uk/map_romans_roads_in_britain.htm) - Very large map; opens in separate window.