Current issue

Autumn 2020

Volume 16, Number 1

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Features
  • In context: Meet the Treasurer LA welcomes Jacqui Mellows, our new Treasurer, as she takes up the reins from the late Alastair Ainsworth

  • Access to archaeology: The CRaFT recording project Angela Broomfield, CRaFT coordinator, describes the work of volunteers who have been surveying the foreshore while recording the Thames causeways, river stairs and ferry terminals between Vauxhall and Greenwich

  • Significant site: The Red Lion Playhouse Stephen White provides the latest information on the earliest known purpose-built playhouse

  • Access to archaeology: London archaeology in lockdown A selection of activities conducted by units, contract or furloughed archaeologists during lockdown


Research
Discovering the Bucklersbury Mosaic A review of the 1 9th-century discovery of the mosaic, and how it made Victorian Londoners reshape modern identities on both a civic and personal scale
Sophie Wardle

Saxon and Medieval Settlement in Barking The excavations in Barking town centre revealed evidence of Saxon pits and structures and pottery of medieval date
Richard Humphrey & Frank Meddens

Plus commentary, news, letters, book reviews and virtual visits

On the Cover
When the Portable Antiquities Scheme celebrated the recording of the 1.5 millionth find, they published their 10 best discoveries. One object — this pilgrim badge, in pristine condition and just 73mm high — was from the Thames foreshore. It shows Thomas Becket's murder in Canterbury Cathedral in 1170. Only one of the four knights involved is depicted. The hand of God can be seen descending over Becket as he is martyred.

The back of the badge (on Contents Page) shows the pin is still intact. Such badges showed that the wearer had made the pilgrimage to Canterbury Cathedral. It was thought that, by touching the badge, you would receive the spiritual benefits of the pilgrimage. The badge, found in 2016 and in private ownership, is currently on loan to Canterbury Cathedral for the Becket 900th anniversary.

Photos © Portable Antiquities Scheme
London Archaeologist is published quarterly by the London Archaeologist Association, Registered Charity 262851
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