Ancient Roman building found in London

Roman building found in London - 3rd March 2025

Plans for a new building in London have just changed after an important discovery. A 2,000 year old Roman building, a basilica, was found in London's City area.

In recent weeks, the Museum of London has found out more and more about the ancient building. In Roman Britain, this basilica was the first of its kind. It was used for public meetings and court cases. It was also a centre for business.

The basilica was found in the basement of an office block. It was 2-3 storeys high and the size of a football pitch. But London grew very quickly in that period. This huge building was actually destroyed just 40 years later. A new basilica was built which was five times bigger.

Expert Sophie Jackson, from Museum of London Archaeology spoke about it. "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."

Plans for the new building are now going to change. It will be lower, for one thing, so that the ancient basilica isn't put in danger. And there'll be a public exhibition place for visitors to learn about Roman London, 'Londinium'.