Construction for Crossrail has provided rare and exciting opportunities to explore archaeology under London’s roads and in areas that would otherwise be inaccessible to archaeologists. Today, ‘Tunnel: The Archaeology of Crossrail’ opens at Museum of London Docklands and presents some of the fascinating and significant discoveries made by archaeologists along the 26 mile Crossrail route, weaving together thousands of years of London’s rich history.
The exhibition celebrates findings from the most important periods in London’s history and shines light on the lives of Londoners through time. From the flints which tell us that there were Londoners living on the Thames 9000 years ago to the horseshoes (known as ‘Hipposandals’) discovered near a well-preserved Roman road through Londinium, via the discovery of ancient DNA in the skeletons of victims of the Black Death and 13,000 well-preserved pickle pots and jam jars from the 19th century Crosse and Blackwell factory at Tottenham Court Road, the exhibition covers some of the most talked about stories from the project.
For over a decade, we have been working with Crossrail to uncover the secrets of thousands of years of London’s fascinating history through trial excavation, to the archaeological fieldwork and the research, analysis and publication of the archaeological findings. We’re delighted to see so many of the items discovered by our team of archaeologists on display for the public to engage with and gain a better understanding of the amazing insights we’ve been given into the past of our brilliant city.
The exhibition runs until 3rd September 2017.To find out more about the exhibition click here and for more information about Crossrail please contact pressoffice@crossrail.co.uk.
