Chapter 1: The Road to Yesterday
* Introduction to the Watling Street, an ancient Roman road in England.
* The author, Patrick Barkham, embarks on a journey along the road to explore its history and significance.
Chapter 2: The Ghosts of London Stone
* Barkham delves into the origins of Watling Street in London and its connection to London Stone, a mysterious monument.
* Real example: Barkham visits London Stone and examines its enigmatic markings, linking it to the Roman fortress of Londinium.
Chapter 3: The Crossing Place
* The author follows Watling Street northwestward, crossing the River Thames at a strategic location.
* Real example: Barkham encounters a local historian who shares insights into the significance of the crossing and its role in trade and communication.
Chapter 4: The Village Where Time Stood Still
* Barkham discovers the village of Wheathampstead, which has remarkably preserved its medieval appearance.
* Real example: The author interviews villagers who recount the story of a 14th-century battle that took place near the village and its impact on the community.
Chapter 5: The Forest of Secrets
* The journey continues through ancient woodlands, where Barkham uncovers hidden Roman remains and the legends that surround them.
* Real example: Barkham explores St. Albans Abbey, founded on the site of a Roman settlement and rumored to be haunted by a mysterious "screaming skull."
Chapter 6: The Road to the Midlands
* Watling Street enters the Midlands region, passing through a landscape shaped by agriculture and industrial heritage.
* Real example: Barkham visits the National Coal Mining Museum in Mansfield and learns about the area's rich mining history, which has left an enduring mark on the road.
Chapter 7: The Roman City
* The road leads to the Roman city of Viroconium Cornoviorum (now Wroxeter), one of the largest and most significant Roman settlements in Britain.
* Real example: Barkham explores the ruins of the city, including its amphitheater, baths, and forum, gaining a glimpse into the vibrant Roman civilization that once thrived there.
Chapter 8: The Edge of the World
* Watling Street continues northwestward towards the Welsh border, marking the boundary between Roman and Celtic territories.
* Real example: Barkham visits the hilltop fortress of Old Oswestry, which played a pivotal role in the defense of Roman Britain against Welsh tribes.
Chapter 9: The Long Goodbye
* The journey reaches its end at Chester, a Roman fortress that guarded the passage into Wales.
* Barkham reflects on the historical significance of Watling Street and its enduring legacy as a symbol of connectivity and cultural exchange.
Chapter 10: Epilogue
* The author returns to London, contemplating the enduring impact of the Watling Street on the landscape, culture, and heritage of Britain.
* Real example: Barkham visits the Barbican Centre, a modern architectural complex built on the site of a Roman bathhouse, highlighting the enduring presence of the past in present-day London.
