London’s first Roman basilica found under office basement

Archaeologists have discovered the remains of the first Roman basilica in London under the basement of an office building scheduled for demolition. Built around 70-80 A.D., 40 or so years after the Roman conquest of Britain, the basilica was the main civic building where the city’s administrative, judicial and commercial affairs were transacted. Believed to have been more than two storeys high, the basilica faced an open courtyard where markets and public festivals were held and major announcements made. It was the hub of Roman Londinium.

A team from Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA) was engaged to excavate the basement of 85 Gracechurch Street ahead of a planned redevelopment of the property. Previous archaeological discoveries pointed to the basilica having been located in the area, but its exact location was unknown or even if there were any remains to be found. The first forum had a very short life, only about 20 years or so, before it was demolished and a second forum built that was five times the size of the original. This explosive expansion is a testament to how rapidly Londinium grew into a major city, and obviously it has grown and changed immeasurably more since then. Given its demolition just two decades after construction and all the building over it since, including the current skyscraper, finding no remnants whatsoever of the first basilica was a very likely outcome.

MOLA dug small test pits in places where they thought foundations or walls might have been located, and to their surprise, they found hit paydirt far beyond anything they’d hoped for: massive foundations and the bases of walls made of flint, stone and tile, some sections estimated to be more than 30 feet long and 13 feet high.

What makes this discovery even more special is the fact we believe these foundations are within an area of the Basilica known as the Tribunal. Here, upon a raised stage, magistrates, political leaders, and important officials would have made major decisions about the government of London and possibly beyond, shaping the City’s past and present. 2,000 years ago this spot was the heart of Roman London. […]

“This is one of the most significant discoveries made in the City in recent years. It’s like discovering the Speaker’s Chair and chamber of the House of Commons, 2,000 years into the future. The levels of preservation of the Basilica have far exceeded our expectations, and we have possibly the most important part of the building. Excitingly, we’ve only just scratched the surface of this site’s potential through our initial investigations.”

– Sophie Jackson, MOLA Director of Development

Whatever is uncovered of the ancient basilica and forum will remain in situ. The developers, Hertshten Properties, plan to integrate the archaeological remains into the new 85 Gracechurch Street and create a new exhibition and event space in cooperation with London Museum. Architects are drawing up a new plan now which will be submitted to the city for approval. Once they’re approved, MOLA will fully excavate the site. Archaeologists hope the remains they find will reveal information on the appearance of the interior of the basilica.