Heart of the city: Roman, medieval and modern London revealed by archaeology at 1 Poultry

Abstract

• This book is about a remarkable archaeological dig on a site which has been at the heart of London for the last 2000 years. In the 1990s, hidden from public view, a team of archaeologists worked in what would become the basement of new offices at 1 Poultry. They uncovered mosaics, timber and stone buildings, and thousands of beautifully preserved coins, pots, and other artefacts. The finds tell the story of London – from Roman frontier town to provincial capital; ruin then revival as medieval Europe's largest city; recovery from fire and plague to become the world's richest metropolis; the Blitz, and the famously disputed demolition of 16 Victorian buildings. Heart of the City tells of the discoveries made and, with specially commissioned reconstructions, brings the past to life for anyone interested in archaeology, history, architecture, or simply in London.