MOLA has recently completed a first phase of fieldwork on the site of 8-10 Moorgate in the City of London. The site is located immediately to the west of the Walbrook River. Excavations in this area have produced evidence for industry and manufacturing in both the Roman and medieval periods. The recent work uncovered leather fragments, glass residue and the remains of a possible pottery kiln.

The archaeology on the site was remarkably well preserved because of the waterlogged conditions. The area was marshy, and had remained open land until the 16th century.

MOLA found a total of four timber Roman buildings in two trenches. One building had five rooms and a corridor running along one side; to the north of this were some steps, leading down an alleyway in the direction of the Walbrook, and on the other side was a second building which had four rooms.

It’s thought that these buildings represent workshops, rather than houses, although it was common for craftsmen and their families to work and live on the same premises.

The earliest phases of these buildings appeared to date to the late 1st century at an early stage in the history of Londinium. The evidence shows that, although the area was marshy because of the Walbrook Valley, people were successfully controlling the effects of the water. 

MOLA will be returning next year to excavate the rest of the site after the demolition of the present building.

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