Ancient Roman building found in London

Roman building uncovered in London - 3rd March 2025

Architects are changing former plans for a new tower block in the City area of London, after an incredible discovery was made. A 2,000 year old Roman basilica was found, which developers have described as "a monumental piece of London's history."

Experts learnt about the basilica in October 2023. Just recently, however, a team from Museum of London Archaeology (MoLa) found out more accurate details about the site.

It's believed to be the first basilica in Roman Britain. It was a large building which was used for political and public events and for court cases. The place also served as a centre for business and social activities.

The basilica was found in the basement of a present-day office block. Archaeologists from MoLA dug down to find the walls of the building, from CE 70-80. It was two or three storeys high and was the length and width of a football pitch. However, the rapid growth of Londinium, as it was then called, meant the basilica was pulled down 40 years later. It was replaced by a new one, five times larger.

Sophie Jackson, from MoLA, said, "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."

Protecting the basilica is of key importance. The new building will now be two storeys lower to avoid putting pressure onto the historic site. The development will include a public exhibition space too. It will allow visitors to come face-to-face with Roman Londinium.