Archaeologists Discover Important Part of Roman Basilica in Basement of Building in London

Archaeological excavations in the basement of an office building in London have uncovered an important part of a Roman basilica. The team of archaeologists working at 85 Gracechurch Street experienced great excitement when they revealed sections of a stone wall that is believed to have formed the basilica’s foundation and should have been two and a half stories high.

Basilicas are among the significant examples of Roman architecture, typically located next to forums and serving as large, roofed public buildings where court proceedings and official services were conducted. These structures also functioned as vital meeting spaces for trade, law, and social events.

Sophie Jackson, an expert from the Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA), shared insights about the discovery in an exclusive interview with BBC News, stating, “This is very important – this is the heart of Roman London.” Jackson emphasized that the find will provide valuable information about the origins of London, the reasons for its growth, and why it was chosen as the capital of Britain.

Earlier archaeological investigations had established the approximate location of the ancient basilica. Later excavations uncovered a limestone wall.

The basilica is thought to have been about 40 meters long, 20 meters wide and 12 meters high.

Other artifacts were also discovered during the excavations, including a roof tile bearing the seal of an official from the ancient city.

“You can see a significant part of Roman masonry, and it’s incredible how well-preserved it is. The presence of so many pieces here truly excites us,” said Sophie Jackson.

Sophie Jackson 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.”

Once the excavations are completed, the basilica site will be opened to the public.

Duncan Wilson, Historic England Chief Executive, said:

“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.”