As it turned out later, this is the oldest ancient Roman basilica in London. The ruins of the two-story structure were literally hidden beneath the foundations of the City of London, at the site of a future 32-story skyscraper. The first to stumble upon it were construction workers, who then called in a team of archaeologists for an assessment.
What Did Researchers Discover?
The basilica, uncovered in the heart of the business capital at 85 Gracechurch Street, is a remarkable remnant of the city’s Roman past. At one time, it was located right in the center of Londinium, the bustling trade hub of Roman Britain, founded around 47 AD. Archaeologists believe the basilica was built between 78 and 84 AD, just a few decades after the Romans invaded Britain and two decades after the major uprising led by Queen Boudica against Roman rule.
According to researchers, the basilica was a key feature of the Roman forum—a vibrant center for social, political, and commercial life in the city. Here, citizens gathered to shop, socialize, seek justice, and listen to political leaders’ announcements.
Archaeologists unearthed significant fragments of foundations, as well as massive walls made of flint, brick, and sandstone. Some of these walls reach depths of up to four meters. Researchers believe the basilica was about the size of an Olympic swimming pool, as reported by the Independent.
“We have these little windows into Roman London scattered throughout the city. But this, in a sense, is a place that brings them all together. It’s the heart of Rome in London, where all decisions were made,” said Andrew Henderson-Schwartz, a public relations specialist at the Museum of London Archaeology.
The developer, who owns the site and has permission to construct a new office tower, has agreed to incorporate the ruins into the building plan and later display them for public viewing.
Interestingly, British developers often consult with archaeologists before starting construction. Thanks to this practice, researchers have uncovered numerous unique artifacts over the years, ranging from Saxon jewelry to skeletons of plague victims from the 14th century and medieval skates.