2,000-Year-Old Roman Basilica Discovered Beneath London Office Block!
Beneath the bustling streets of London, a remarkable discovery has unearthed the foundations of the city’s first Roman basilica. Hidden beneath an office block at 85 Gracechurch Street, this find has provided incredible insight into the origins of Londinium, the Roman settlement that preceded modern London.
A Significant Archaeological Breakthrough
A team of archaeologists from the Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA) uncovered the remains of this ancient structure, built from flint, ragstone, and Roman tiles. Measuring approximately 40 metres long and 20 metres wide, and standing two-and-a-half storeys tall, the basilica served as the administrative, economic, and political heart of Roman Britain.
Sophie Jackson, Director of Development at MOLA, described the discovery as one of the most important 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 level of preservation has far exceeded our expectations, and we have possibly uncovered the most significant part of the building. We look forward to learning even more from these remains.”
Photo Credit: Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA)
The Heart of Roman London
The basilica was part of Londinium’s forum, a grand complex that functioned as the city’s social, commercial, and legal hub. Constructed around 80 CE during the governorship of Agricola (78-84 CE), this imposing structure was a powerful symbol of Roman rule. Within its open courtyard, merchants, officials, and citizens gathered to trade, settle disputes, and conduct civic affairs. A raised platform, known as the tribunal, was likely the place where magistrates and officials made critical decisions shaping the future of Roman London.
Despite its importance, the forum and basilica had a relatively short lifespan, remaining in use for only around 20 years before being replaced by an even larger structure. By the second century CE, Londinium had grown into one of Roman Britain’s most prominent cities, surpassing Camulodunum (modern-day Colchester) as the provincial capital. At its peak, the city housed an estimated 45,000-60,000 residents.
Photo Credit: Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA)
Preserving the Past for the Future
The discovery has led to a major shift in redevelopment plans for the site. Hertshten Properties, the owners of the building, have committed to fully excavating and preserving the remains. Architects at Woods Bagot, working alongside contractors and archaeologists, have redesigned the project to incorporate a public exhibition and events space at the basement level, ensuring that this extraordinary piece of history is accessible to all.
A Growing Picture of Roman London
This find adds to a growing collection of Roman discoveries beneath London’s streets. Other significant remains include the Roman amphitheatre, which is displayed beneath the Guildhall Art Gallery, and the Temple of Mithras, now an immersive exhibition at Bloomberg’s London headquarters.
As London continues to evolve, these discoveries remind us of its rich and layered history. The unearthing of the basilica at Gracechurch Street is not just a window into the past but a step towards preserving and understanding the deep roots of one of the world’s greatest cities.