Workers Discover Ancient Roman Basilica Beneath London's Financial District

In a remarkable archaeological breakthrough, experts have unearthed the remains of London's earliest Roman basilica beneath a 90-year-old commercial building at 85 Gracechurch Street, in the heart of the city's financial district. This discovery offers profound insights into the ancient urban landscape of Londinium, the Roman precursor to modern London.

The excavation, led by the Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA), commenced as part of a redevelopment project by Hertshten Properties Limited. Over two years, archaeologists meticulously uncovered substantial stone walls and foundations buried several feet underground. These remnants, constructed from flint, ragstone, and Roman tiles, delineate the basilica's nave—the central hall where civic activities once transpired. The walls, measuring up to one meter in width and extending four meters deep, attest to the structure's formidable presence. 

Constructed between 78 and 84 A.D., shortly after the Roman invasion of Britain, the basilica was integral to Londinium's forum—the epicenter of administrative, legal, and commercial life. Functioning as a town hall, it housed law courts and spaces for merchants to conduct business. Its impressive scale, surpassing that of contemporary structures in Britain, symbolized Roman authority and ambition. The decision to erect such a monumental edifice during a period of recovery from local revolts underscores the confidence Roman leaders placed in Londinium's future. 

Despite its significance, this original basilica was relatively short-lived. Around 100 A.D., it was demolished to make way for a more expansive forum complex, reflecting the city's rapid growth and evolving urban needs. The discovery of these well-preserved remains offers a tangible connection to this transformative period in London's history. 

The survival of such a structure beneath centuries of urban development is extraordinary. Gracechurch Street, known for its continuous commercial activity since medieval times, sits atop what was once the heart of Roman Londinium. The site's resilience, enduring through the Great Fire of London in 1666 and subsequent redevelopment, highlights the layers of history embedded within the cityscape. 

Recognizing the basilica's historical importance, Hertshten Properties plans to integrate the archaeological site into the new development. Proposals include creating a public exhibition space that will allow visitors to experience the remnants firsthand, offering a unique window into London's Roman past. This initiative follows a growing trend of developers preserving and showcasing archaeological finds, enhancing public understanding and appreciation of the city's rich heritage.

This discovery not only enriches our understanding of Roman urban planning and architecture but also underscores the importance of archaeology in contemporary urban environments. It serves as a reminder of the deep historical roots present beneath modern cities and the value of preserving these connections to our shared past.

As excavations continue, further insights into the daily lives of Londinium's inhabitants and the city's development are anticipated. The integration of the basilica's remains into a public exhibition will provide an educational resource and a poignant reminder of London's enduring legacy as a city shaped by millennia of history.