Saxon Remains Discovered Under The National Gallery In London

Engineers digging a tunnel underneath the National Gallery, London have discovered objects from Saxon times.

The discoveries that have been found appear to be from Lundenwic, the name given to the 7th-century Saxon city built in the Aldwych area following the abandonment of Roman London in the 5th century.

The excavations were undertaken as part of the National Gallery’s 'NG200: Welcome', a redevelopment project forming part of the Gallery’s Bicentenary celebrations.

Archaeologists unearthed a hearth, postholes, stakeholes, pits, ditches and levelling deposits, which initial interpretations suggest represent the reworking of fence lines and evolving property boundaries in this western suburb of Lundenwic.

The hearth was radiocarbon dated and revealed a date range between 659-774 AD for the earliest occupation.

Above this sequence of Saxon layers were post-medieval walls.

The earliest wall was probably built in the 17th or 18th centuries.

Archaeologists observed lots of phases of rebuilding of these walls with different building fabrics up until the 19th century.

Stephen White, who led the Jubilee Walk excavations for Archaeology South-East, said: "Excavating at the National Gallery was an incredible opportunity to investigate interesting archaeology and to be involved with some truly outstanding outreach.

”The evidence we uncovered suggests the urban centre of Lundenwic extends further west than originally thought.

”This was made all the more exciting by having the chance to share that information, and how it relates to archaeology across London, with young people from this city."

Sarah Younger, Director of the NG200 Welcome Project, added: "It’s an honour for the National Gallery to be part of a discovery like this, and it brings home to us how everything we are building and re-constructing as part of this project will be part of the fabric and history of London for centuries to come.

”We are grateful for the hard work and care of the archaeologists who have worked with us over the past months, and have been bringing groups of students and young people to engage them in archaeology through their work with us.

”It’s shown to us that the enriching history of the National Gallery does not start and stop at the collection that hangs inside our walls."

The National Gallery lies to the western end of this settlement; while excavations in the immediate area have found Saxon material previously, this is the first excavation to prove that the urban centre extended this far west.

The walled Roman city of Londinium was abandoned by its settlers in the 5th century CE. With the coming of the Saxons the settlement shifted west along the modern area of the Strand.

By the 7th century it was known as Lundenwic and was primarily a trading centre with a waterfront.

After the decline of Roman rule in Britain, Londinium underwent significant changes.

The Saxon era in London came to an end with the Norman Conquest of England in 1066 when William the Conqueror defeated King Harold II at the Battle of Hastings.

This event ushered in the Norman period, bringing significant changes to London's governance, culture, and architecture.

The city gradually evolved to the medieval city of London.

During the medieval period, London grew in importance as a centre of trade, governance, and culture.

The establishment of Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London solidified its role as a political and religious centre.

The city's strategic location on the River Thames facilitated trade with Europe, contributing to its economic prosperity.

In the 17th century, London experienced a period of rapid expansion and development, particularly after the Great Fire of 1666, which devastated much of the city.

The rebuilding efforts led to the construction of grand new buildings, including Sir Christopher Wren's iconic St. Paul's Cathedral.

The Industrial Revolution further transformed London, bringing rapid urbanization, technological advancements, and social change.

The city became a global hub for industry, commerce, and innovation, attracting people from across Britain and beyond.

Throughout its history, London has faced numerous challenges, including outbreaks of disease such as the Great Plague of 1665 and the cholera epidemics of the 19th century.

However, it also witnessed periods of great cultural flourishing, exemplified by the Elizabethan Renaissance, the Victorian era, and the Swinging Sixties.

In the 20th century, London endured the devastation of two World Wars and underwent significant social and economic changes.

Despite the destruction of much of its infrastructure during the Blitz of World War II, it emerged as a resilient city, rebuilding and revitalising itself in the post-war years.

From its humble beginnings as Londinium to its present-day status as one of the world's foremost cities, London's story is one of continual evolution and adaptation, shaped by the people who have called it home over millennia.

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