In February 2025, an archaeological dig on Gracechurch Street within the Square Mile found another jigsaw piece of Londinium — a section of stone wall from the city's first basilica.
The discovery, dating from 70-80 AD, will be incorporated into a basement visitor centre as part of the redevelopment of 85 Gracechurch Street, which, as of July 2025, has been approved by the City of London Corporation.
The basilica was a key landmark in Londinium, known to all inhabitants. This was effectively the town hall, from which decisions were made about the growth, governance and laws of the city, and perhaps the wider territory. This is probably the spot, for example, where the decision to build the city wall and gates was taken.
It was tacked on to the end of the forum, the city's main market and meeting place. Stones from the complex are known at other locations, most famously in the basement of a hairdressers within Leadenhall Market.
The discovery was made at 85 Gracechurch Street by Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA), in preparation for a new commercial development on the site. They found substantial remains of walls and foundations, made from flint, Kentish ragstone and Roman tile. The structure is thought to have supported the Tribunal, a raised stage from which "magistrates, political leaders, and important officials would have made major decisions about the government of London and possibly beyond".
As Sophie Jackson, MOLA's Director of Development said at the time: "It's like discovering the Speaker's Chair and chamber of the House of Commons, 2,000 years into the future."
The discovery prompted significant changes to the office block, which is planned for the site. The basement space has been reconfigured to incorporate the remains in what's being described as a "world-class public experience".
The basilica will join a growing set of newly accessible ancient structures. Recently, part of the Roman wall at Vine Street was revealed to public gaze for the first time in an impressive viewing gallery. A magnificent Roman mosaic in Southwark has been promised for display. And the more 'recent' archaeology from both Whitefriars monastery and a Shakespearean theatre remains in Shoreditch are set to open soon.
It's a great time to be alive if you enjoy pondering London's past in a subterranean gallery.
