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Archaeologists uncovered London's earliest Roman basilica remains at a skyscraper site. Dating back to 78-84 A.D., the structure was a key political hub. Plans include a visitor center to preserve the discovery.
Rare Roman Basilica discovery sheds light on early London (Picture source: X/@cityoflondon)
UPDATED: Feb 14, 2025 00:00 IST
In a remarkable archaeological discovery, researchers have uncovered the remains of London's earliest-known Roman basilica at a construction site for a new 32-story skyscraper, CBS News reported.
The site, located at 85 Gracechurch Street in the heart of the historic City of London, has revealed walls and foundations dating back nearly two millennia.
Archaeologists excavating the basement of an existing building, set for demolition, found remnants of flint, brick and ragstone walls.
These foundations—measuring over three feet wide and 13 feet deep—belong to a massive two-story structure believed to have been built between 78 and 84 A.D., just decades after Roman forces invaded Britain.
The finding of remains of the first-century Roman Forum-Basilica at 85 Gracechurch Street, in the City of London, is a remarkable discovery.
The archaeological excavations were conditions of a City of London Corporation planning permission. The Roman Forum and Basilica was the... pic.twitter.com/kwVvQ46p0X — City of London (@cityoflondon) February 13, 2025
Sophie Jackson of the Museum of London Archaeology described the find as “one of the most significant discoveries” in years within the capital’s oldest district, the report said.
The basilica was part of the ancient forum of Londinium, the bustling social, political, and commercial hub of Roman London. This newly unearthed section is thought to be the tribunal—a raised platform where political leaders and officials made key decisions.
“We're talking about the early stages of London here. But it's a real sign of investment in the city, even in its early infancy," Andrew Henderson-Schwartz, head of public impact at the Museum of London Archaeology, said.
Spanning an area comparable to an Olympic swimming pool, the basilica’s presence highlights the scale of Roman ambition in the city. However, its use was surprisingly short-lived—just 20 years—before it was replaced by a much larger forum that remained in operation until the fall of Roman rule in Britain.
Despite the planned office tower, the site’s owner, Hertshten Properties, has agreed to incorporate the basilica’s remains into its development plans. A visitor center will be established to showcase the findings, ensuring public access to this crucial piece of London's Roman past.
The extent of the ruins suggests an “extraordinary” level of preservation, according to Henderson-Schwartz, who called the foundations “absolutely massive.” Further excavations could uncover more insights into the daily lives of Roman Londoners, with potential discoveries including writing tablets, styluses, and even everyday waste from the period.
Published By:
indiatodayglobal
Published On:
Feb 14, 2025
