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Evidence such as a hearth dating back to the 7th or 8th century has been unearthed.
The Saxon town known as Lundenwick once stood where London’s National Gallery now stands, according to experts from Archeology South East, part of the UCL Institute of Archaeology, dating back to the 7th or 8th century. They say they found evidence such as a hearth.
The discovery came from excavations at Jubilee Walk, part of the National Gallery at the northern end of Trafalgar Square. This proves that Saxon London’s urban center extended further west than previously realized.
“The excavation at the National Gallery was a fantastic opportunity to investigate some interesting archeology and be part of a truly great advocacy effort,” said Stephen White, senior archaeologist at Archeology South East. “The evidence we have discovered suggests that the urban center of Lundenwick extends further west than originally thought. I was even more excited to have the opportunity to share my connection with the youth of this city.”
© Archeology South East/UCL
The walled Roman city of Londinium was abandoned in the 5th century. After the arrival of the Saxons, the town shifted westward. It became known as Lundenwick, a trading center with a waterfront.
“It is a privilege for the National Gallery to be part of a discovery like this, and everything we are building and rebuilding as part of this project will be part of London’s fabric and history for centuries. “Please come,” said Sarah Younger, director of the redevelopment project that brought about the new discovery.
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