Work to improve
London Bridge station as
part of the Thameslink upgrade is giving archaeologists their first access to this important historical site since the Victorians carved it up with railways around 150 years ago. Substantial
Roman remains, as well as foundations and objects from the Saxon and
Medieval times, have recently been uncovered, reports SE1 website.
Besides the station dig, the
area has recently seen extensive mud-shovelling to build The Shard and The Place, as well as reworking bridges and buildings around Borough Market. The turmoil is yielding a steady stream of discoveries on this most ancient
part of
London, settled by the
Romans at the same time as Londonium across the Thames.
Perhaps the biggest find is the remains of one of the earliest buildings known in Southwark. A pit near Joiner Street has yielded 17 timber piles,
part of a structure from the first century AD. Little is known about this eastern edge of Southwark in
Roman times, and these are exciting times for excavators. Two years ago, a
Roman baths was found on Borough High Street.
Most discoveries will go to the Museum of
London. As
part of planning consent, a display
area of artefacts will also be constructed in the new
London Bridge station.
