Archaeology in London
London has one of the richest and most studied archaeological landscapes in the world. Its recorded past extends from pre-ice age sites to 20th century remains, and hundreds of people are involved in the discovery, preservation, research and promulgation of the archaeology of the area. In this section, we provide a brief outline of the background, activities, legislation and organisations that make up the field today.
For a broader introduction to London’s archaeology, we’ve supplied an essay in pdf form by Peter Rowsome, LA’s Managing Editor, and author of many publications on the subject.
Some background
Although some major archaeological discoveries were made in London before WWII, many were just chance finds; few were excavated with any type of rigour; and recording, preservation and archiving was often basic at best.
In fact before 1990, there were few government guidelines in place to protect archaeological heritage at risk from development. Although local archaeological and history societies did as much rescue excavation as possible, a great deal of archaeology was lost during redevelopment of urban areas and in green field locations. In the 1960s and ’70s, archaeological officers in London’s museums helped lead some excavations, mostly with local societies, and new professional archaeological units covering the City and other parts of London began to develop. In the 1980s, developers were persuaded to pay for the costs of archaeology in London, particularly within the City, but this was very much an exception. The articles in the first 20 years of London Archaeologist relate largely to this rescue-based archaeology.
In 1990 a number of high profile sites at risk from development came to the attention of the public, in particular the Rose Theatre in London, and as a consequence of the resulting outcry, planning legislation was implemented to allow for appropriate archaeological investigation of sites prior to their redevelopment, stipulating that for the most part the work should be funded by the developer of the site.
Archaeology in London today
And to find out more about all the bodies, organisations and institutions who contribute to London’s archaeology see the drop down menu under ‘archaeology in London’ above.
For a broader introduction to London’s archaeology, we’ve supplied an essay in pdf form by Peter Rowsome, LA’s Managing Editor, and author of many publications on the subject.
Some background
Although some major archaeological discoveries were made in London before WWII, many were just chance finds; few were excavated with any type of rigour; and recording, preservation and archiving was often basic at best.
In fact before 1990, there were few government guidelines in place to protect archaeological heritage at risk from development. Although local archaeological and history societies did as much rescue excavation as possible, a great deal of archaeology was lost during redevelopment of urban areas and in green field locations. In the 1960s and ’70s, archaeological officers in London’s museums helped lead some excavations, mostly with local societies, and new professional archaeological units covering the City and other parts of London began to develop. In the 1980s, developers were persuaded to pay for the costs of archaeology in London, particularly within the City, but this was very much an exception. The articles in the first 20 years of London Archaeologist relate largely to this rescue-based archaeology.
In 1990 a number of high profile sites at risk from development came to the attention of the public, in particular the Rose Theatre in London, and as a consequence of the resulting outcry, planning legislation was implemented to allow for appropriate archaeological investigation of sites prior to their redevelopment, stipulating that for the most part the work should be funded by the developer of the site.
Archaeology in London today
And to find out more about all the bodies, organisations and institutions who contribute to London’s archaeology see the drop down menu under ‘archaeology in London’ above.