Remains of London’s Roman Forum Unearthed – Plans for Preservation Shared
Remains of London’s Roman Forum have been unearthed at 85 Gracechurch Street in the City of London. Plans are now being put forward to preserve and display this significant archaeology as part of a new public visitor experience.
The Basilica - part of the Roman Forum - was once the beating heart of Roman London, serving as the political, judicial, commercial, and social hub for Londinium.
The Greater London Historic Environment Record shows the location of the 1st-century Basilica and Forum buildings. However, it was not known how much of these 2,000-year-old structures had survived.
Planning permission was granted for a new development at 85 Gracechurch Street in October 2023. Archaeological work was recommended and monitored by Historic England’s Greater London Archaeology Advisory Service (GLAAS) and undertaken by Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA).
Through these investigations massive foundations and walls made of flint, ragstone and Roman tile were uncovered – in some areas over 10 metres long, one metre wide and four metres deep.
The foundations are thought to be 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.
GLAAS provides archaeological planning advice for the City of London Corporation, guiding the approach to complex urban archaeology in an intense development environment to create and collaborate on opportunities for exciting discoveries and new public access.
The extraordinary levels of preservation revealed by MOLA represents a unique opportunity for permanent public display of the archaeological remains. GLAAS advised that the development proposals should be modified to preserve and display the nationally significant remains.
To find the dais of the Basilica, the heart of London’s Roman Forum, surviving beneath today’s bustling square mile is really something special. To capitalise on this extraordinary discovery we have helped shape a new public display of the archaeological remains, offering a brand new visitor experience in the City. This underscores our belief that well-displayed and interpreted archaeology brings real value and character to a development, celebrating the heritage of places whilst delivering something new.
Site owners Hertshten Properties are sharing updated proposals for the site, including plans for the surviving remains to be incorporated into a new public exhibition, event space, and immersive experience, in partnership with London Museum (formerly Museum of London).
Sophie Jackson, Director of Development at MOLA, added:
“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. We look forward to discovering more about these remains, working with the site owners, London Museum, and City of London Corporation to develop a truly unique and captivating archaeological experience and public space.”
The Roman Forum
The Forum was at the heart of Roman London and is believed to have been constructed during the late 70s or 80s AD during the Governorship of Agricola (78-84 AD).
Situated on a high point in the city and built on a raised platform, it spanned an area roughly the size of a football pitch.
This was a clear symbol of Roman power and authority, further emphasised by the fact the Basilica is likely to have risen over two storeys.
In front of the Basilica was an open courtyard, where locals and visitors frequented and engaged in public and community activities, such as markets. This was a key location for commerce and administration, which resonates with the modern City.
The first Roman Forum was only in use for a relatively short period of time, due to a larger second forum being constructed approximately 20 years later.
The second Forum was constructed immediately around the first, but was almost five times as large - in fact, it’s courtyard would have been around the same size of Trafalgar Square and may have reflected the rapid growth and importance of Britannia at the time.
Much of the first Forum remained in use until the second Forum was completed, and was then demolished. Consequently, little is known about what the interior of the first Basilica may have looked like, however, it is hoped that through further excavations at Gracechurch Street, the MOLA team may uncover clues as to its appearance.
Chris Hayward, Chairman of the City of London Corporation’s Policy and Resources Committee, commented:
"The reveal of London’s first Roman Basilica is a significant milestone for the City of London, connecting its rich past to the present day and into the future. The Roman Basilica will help tie the City’s existing archaeological landmarks together to tell a captivating story about how our City has been shaped, and continues to be shaped, by our unique history. The City of London’s City Plan 2040 seeks to honour and celebrate the Square Mile’s heritage, through sensitive preservation of important parts of our history such as this.
The Romans' vision for the Basilica and Forum very much remains the same vision we have for the City of London 2,000 years later - for our City to be the beating heart of London and commercial centre for the country."
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