Excavations reveal Saxon London’s urban center was bigger than previously thought

Archaeologists from Archaeology South-East, affiliated with the UCL Insтιтute of Archaeology, may have discovered some missing pieces of the city’s early history beneath the National Gallery in London’s Trafalgar Square.

Excavations reveal Saxon London’s urban center was bigger than previously thoughtArchaeologists from Archaeology South-East discovered remains of the Saxon city of Lundenwic. Credit: Archaeology South-East / UCL

The findings, part of the Jubilee Walk excavations, reveal that the urban center of Saxon London, known as Lundenwic, extended further west than previously understood.

The excavation, conducted as part of the National Gallery’s ‘NG200: Welcome’ redevelopment project, aimed to create an underground link between the Sainsbury Wing and the Wilkins Building, as well as to enhance the adjacent public realm. The area, historically significant since the reign of King Richard II, has served various functions over the centuries, from Royal Mews to residential housing.

Key discoveries include a hearth, postholes, stakeholes, pits, ditches, and leveling deposits, indicating the presence of an ancient settlement. Carbon dating of the hearth suggests occupation dating back to 659-774 CE, highlighting the early establishment of Lundenwic in this location. Additionally, post-medieval walls above the Saxon layers reveal successive phases of construction and redevelopment spanning centuries.

Excavations reveal Saxon London’s urban center was bigger than previously thoughtAn archaeologist records a large post-medieval walls above the Saxon layers. Credit: Archaeology South-East/UCL

Previous archaeological digs in the vicinity had hinted at the existence of Anglo-Saxon activity, but the recent findings provide tangible evidence of a thriving community predating the modern-day gallery by over a millennium.

Stephen White, who spearheaded the Jubilee Walk excavations, said: “Excavating at the National Gallery was an incredible opportunity to investigate interesting archaeology and to be involved with some truly outstanding outreach.” White emphasized the importance of sharing these discoveries with the community, particularly with young people, to enrich their understanding of London’s archaeology.

Sarah Younger, Director of the NG200 Welcome Project, highlighted the honor of being part of such a significant discovery and emphasized the connection between the past and present. She underscored the National Gallery’s role in preserving and interpreting London’s rich historical heritage for future generations.

The discovery challenges previous ᴀssumptions about the extent of Saxon London’s urban center, indicating a broader reach than previously recognized.

Related Posts

Ancient Olmec rubber balls to be preserved with anoxia technology

Ancient Olmec rubber balls to be preserved with anoxia technology

Archaeologists in Mexico are adopting new strategies to preserve a unique set of artifacts linked to the oldest known ballgame found in Mesoamerica. Fourteen rubber balls discovered…

Ancient bronze mirrors reveal how politics and industry shaped early Han Dynasty China

Ancient bronze mirrors reveal how politics and industry shaped early Han Dynasty China

A recent study by the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) is rewriting history regarding how politics and industry interacted in early imperial China. Researchers…

The oldest mummies in the world: ancient Southeast Asian burials rewrite early human history

The oldest mummies in the world: ancient Southeast Asian burials rewrite early human history

Archaeologists in Southeast Asia have unearthed what may be the oldest mummies in the world, dating back as far as 12,000 years. The pre-Neolithic burials, found throughout…

Sardinian figurines reveal Bronze Age metal trade and wide connections

Sardinian figurines reveal Bronze Age metal trade and wide connections

A recent international study has explained the history of Sardinia’s iconic bronzetti statues, showing previously unknown facts about Bronze Age metallurgy and long-distance trade in the Mediterranean….

350-year-old mummified head in Switzerland traced to Bolivia’s Aymara people after new study

350-year-old mummified head in Switzerland traced to Bolivia’s Aymara people after new study

A mummified head housed in Switzerland for more than a century is rewriting what experts thought they knew about its origins. For many years, the remains—consisting of…

New study shows Britain’s economy did not collapse after the Romans left

New study shows Britain’s economy did not collapse after the Romans left

A new study has indicated that Britain’s industrial economy did not collapse with the Romans’ withdrawal, but instead continued for centuries, and actually reached its major revival…