A Roman basilica, dating back 2,000 years, has been discovered under a London office block. The basilica will inform understanding of London’s historical significance. Developers are revising plans to include a public exhibition space to showcase the ruins.
Archaeologists have uncovered a section of an ancient Roman basilica beneath an office building at 85 Gracechurch Street in London, set to be demolished. Dating back 2,000 years, the ruins served as a site for political and administrative decisions and were located near Bank tube station and London Bridge. The basilica’s base was discovered by specialists from the Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA) last year.
The basilica, which would have reached two-and-a-half storeys, was a major centre for social, political, and commercial activities in Roman London. It featured a courtyard comparable in size to a football pitch. Sophie Jackson from MOLA shared, “This building will tell us so much about the origins of London, why London grew and why it was chosen as the capital of Britain. It’s just amazing.”
The site developers, Hertshten Properties, have adjusted their plans to include a public exhibition space that will showcase the archaeological remains. MOLA stated that coordination with developers and architects (Woods Bagot) aims to integrate this space into the new plans being submitted for approval.
The site’s initial redevelopment proposal was accepted in 2023, but the basilica remains were discovered mid-2024, prompting the delay in revising the plans. MOLA added that such modifications take time, which is why this discovery is being publicised only now. Recently, further historical treasures have been found in London, underscoring the city’s rich Roman heritage.
The discovery of the Roman basilica beneath London exemplifies the city’s vast historical significance. The adjustments made by site developers to incorporate the finds into public exhibitions highlight a commitment to heritage preservation. Such archaeological efforts continue to shed light on London’s origins and its development as a capital city.
Original Source: www.theartnewspaper.com