From Ice Age to Essex: a history of the people and landscape of East London

Abstract

• Half a million years ago ice sheets pushed the Thames south, depositing river gravels across East London. People began quarrying gravel in ancient times and the modern aggregates industry has workings here. Archaeological work at quarry sites has resulted in spectacular discoveries – from prehistoric ritual sites and flint arrowheads to finds such as a Roman stone coffin and beautiful Early Saxon glass drinking horns. This book describes the ancient landscape of East London and evidence of settlements from the 3rd millennium BC right up to the 19th century, providing us with evidence of where people lived, and how they made a living and viewed themselves. A full digital resource of samples excavated is available for researchers via Archaeology Data Service.