Almost 2000 years go, London was founded by the Romans. While it only lasted less than 15 years, many ruins still remain visible as part of the Barbican and Museum of London complex. Roman Fort ruins can additionally be found on Noble Street and the Roman Fort Gate along the London Wall.
And now, in an exciting new discovery, the remains of London’s very first Roman Basilica has been discovered near Leadenhall Market in the City of London.
This discovery was made during an archaeological investigation launched by the Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA) after a planning permission was granted for a new commercial building on 85 Gracechurch Street.
The site is said to be a part of the Roman Forum, an open-air square which was a social hub as well as a place for all judicial and commercial activities.
The 2,000 old foundations and walls are said to be made of flint, ragstone and Roman tile – within an area of the Basilica known as the Tribunal where magistrates and political leaders would have made major decisions about the government of London at the time.
Although historians were aware of the Basilica’s location, the extent of its preserved remains remained uncertain.
Constructed around 80 AD, it was built just a few decades after the Romans invaded Britain and established Londiniumthe city’s Roman name.
Hertshten Properties, the site owner, plans to feature the remains in its redevelopment, integrating them into a new public exhibition and immersive experience.
With a new planning application underway, full excavations will commence on the site, and the new experience is set to open by 2029 or 2030.
While the wait is long, until then, you can still enjoy the vast history of London by visiting its oldest pubs, oldest restaurants, history museums and much much more.
After all, London is one of the oldest cities in the world – not the first, but one of the greatest.
