Roman basilica unearthed in London - 3rd March 2025

Initial plans for a new tower block in the City district of London have had to be revised after the remains of a two-millenia-old Roman basilica came to light.

Whilst the basilica's whereabouts had been discovered in October 2023, it was only in recent weeks following further excavation work by the Museum of London team that the full extent of its preservation was uncovered. Sophie Jackson, Director of Development of Museum of London Archaeology (MoLA) commented, "this is one of the most significant discoveries made in the city in recent years."

Assumed to be the first structure of its kind in Roman Britain, the basilica would have been a vast, roofed edifice functioning as a multi-functional civic building. Public assemblies and judicial proceedings would have taken place there, as well as it being a hub for social activities and trading.

Lying in the basement of an existing office block, archaeologists from MoLA found themselves working alongside a collection of filing cabinets from the current workplace. They excavated the foundations and walls of the basilica, estimated to have been 2-3 storeys in height. Constructed between CE 70 and 80, findings suggest it would have had the dimensions of a present-day football pitch. However, the speedy expansion of Roman Londinium led to it being torn down four decades on, to make way for a massive basilica with proportions five times greater.

Ron Hertshten, the Chief Executive of Hertshten Properties, the site developers, referred to the discovery as "a monumental piece of London's history". Meanwhile, Jackson declared, "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."

Revisions of the architectural blueprints for the tower block will now be made to safeguard this phenomenal find. It's anticipated the modern building will stand two storeys shorter, to avoid the need to insert pillars into the precious remains. Revised proposals will also comprise a new public gallery space and an immersive experience, delivered in conjunction with the London Museum, for visitors to witness Roman life firsthand.