Lost Roman Basilica Unearthed Beneath City of London
The discovery of a Roman Basilica beneath Gracechurch Street has given Londoners a rare glimpse into the heart of ancient Londinium, with the remains of a major public building uncovered just steps from Leadenhall Market. Archaeologists working on the basement of 85 Gracechurch Street were expecting some evidence of Roman life, but what they found far exceeded expectations.
The site, which sits above the northern end of Londinium’s first Roman Forum, has revealed massive flint, ragstone, and tile foundations believed to be part of the Basilica’s Tribunal – the raised stage where magistrates and officials made decisions shaping the future of Roman London. In some places, the walls are over 10 metres long, a metre wide, and four metres deep, offering an extraordinary glimpse of the city’s early political centre. Sophie Jackson, Director of Development at MOLA, said,
“It’s like discovering the Speaker’s Chair and chamber of the House of Commons, 2,000 years into the future.”
The Roman Forum and Basilica were built during the governorship of Agricola in the late 70s or early 80s AD, serving as a key political, judicial, and commercial hub for the settlement. Raised high above the city on a platform and covering an area roughly the size of a football pitch, the Basilica stood for power and order. In front of it, an open courtyard acted as a focal point for community life, hosting markets, festivals, and announcements. Interestingly, this first Forum was soon replaced by a much larger second Forum, whose courtyard was about the same size as Trafalgar Square, reflecting Londinium’s rapid growth.
What makes this Roman Basilica discovery beneath Gracechurch Street particularly important is the level of preservation, which experts had not anticipated. In an era where many archaeological finds are fragmentary, the survival of such substantial foundations allows historians and archaeologists a rare chance to reconstruct the scale and layout of the first Forum’s key structures.
Plans are already underway to integrate the site into a new development at 85 Gracechurch Street. Working with Hertshten Properties, Shaw Corporation, Gardiner and Theobold, Woods Bagot architects, and the London Museum, proposals are being developed for a public exhibition, event space, and immersive visitor experience. Visitors will eventually be able to stand where Roman magistrates once presided, offering a unique insight into early London’s social and political life. More about the project can be found through the London Museum’s official website.
A revised planning application is expected by spring 2025, with full excavations to follow if approved. The new visitor experience is anticipated to open between 2029 and 2030, offering a rare opportunity for Londoners and tourists alike to connect directly with the city’s Roman past.
Visit MOLA’s webpage for more on this exciting discovery.
For more updates on London’s archaeology and future visitor attractions, visit EyeOnLondon. We’d love to hear your views in the comments.
[Image Credit | You Local Rome]
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