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Find out moreRoman Basilica Unearthed in City of London
Recent excavations at 85 Gracechurch Street—an office building set for demolition and redevelopment—have revealed the remains of London’s first Roman basilica and forum.
Archaeologists from the Museum of London Archaeology (MoLA) have uncovered substantial sections of stone walls, built from Kentish limestone, which formed the foundation of the ancient structure. Measuring approximately 40 metres long, 20 metres wide and 12 metres high, the basilica dates back to 70–80 AD.
The discovery will be integrated into a basement visitor centre, further enriching the capital’s Roman heritage.
“This is so significant—this is the heart of Roman London. This building will tell us so much about the origins of London, why the city grew, and why it was chosen as Britain’s capital. It’s just amazing.”Sophie Jackson
Museum of London Archaeology
The find has led to major revisions in the plans for the office development designed by Woods Bagot. The basement has been reconfigured to incorporate the Roman remains into what is being described as a "world-class public experience."
© Woods Bagot/Visualent
Situated within the Leadenhall Conservation Area and adjacent to the Grade II Listed* Leadenhall Market, the project replaces a 1930s office building with 234,000 sq ft of flexible, high-quality office space, alongside a range of amenities and publicly accessible areas.
G&T is providing Cost Management and Project Management for the redevelopment, which has been designed as an all-electric, net-zero carbon building. The development also incorporates extensive urban greening across its façades and follows a whole-life sustainability approach to ensure long-term environmental efficiency.
Images: © Woods Bagot/Visulent