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A significant section of one of Britain’s most historically important Roman roads has been uncovered in the heart of south-east London, marking a breakthrough in archaeological exploration.
The ancient thoroughfare, known as Watling Street, originated from the Roman port at Dover and traversed through London to the West Midlands, connecting key areas of the Roman Empire.
This extensive 276-mile route, constructed shortly after the Romans invaded Britain in AD 43, became a vital artery for travel and trade, famously used by visiting emperors, including Hadrian himself in AD 122, who commissioned the construction of his legendary wall separating England from Scotland.
While Roman roads are famed for their straight paths, historians and archaeologists have faced considerable challenges in pinpointing the precise route of Watling Street, particularly in London, where evidence has remained elusive.
However, during preparations to expand the low-carbon heat network in Southwark, a remarkable find emerged under the Old Kent Road, bringing new insights into the ancient layout of the city.
Archaeologist Gillian King emphasized the significance of this discovery, stating it has significantly redefined the map of Roman roads in the capital. She noted, “It is a key finding for archaeological research for London.”
Distinct layers of construction were revealed, showcasing a solid foundation made of compacted gravel, which was then sealed by two layers of chalk—a testament to the engineering prowess of Roman builders (MOLA/Southwark Council).
The section of road discovered is located to the south of the intersection between Old Kent Road and Ilderton Road, and exhibits excellent preservation, measuring approximately 19 feet (5.8 meters) in width and nearly 5 feet (1.4 meters) in height.
Southwark Council reported that the visibly distinct layers reveal the craftsmanship of the Roman engineers, with indications that the original surface would have been constructed from similar materials and would have been level with the contemporary street, although the original surface has sadly eroded over the centuries.
The council’s archaeology officer, Dr. Chris Constable, remarked on the prior excavation conducted in the early 1990s that unearthed a section of road further south, highlighting the lingering questions that have now been resolved thanks to this new discovery.
“I’m pleased this project has answered our questions over the course of the Roman road south of the Cantium Retail Park where a section was excavated in the early 1990s, south of the line of the modern road,” he stated.
“In the planning for this project, we’d anticipated addressing this longstanding question, but the remarkable level of preservation we’ve observed is truly astonishing.”
The historical significance of the London portion of Watling Street was first rediscovered during the rebuilding efforts of St Mary-le-Bow by Christopher Wren between 1671 and 1673, following the devastating Great Fire of London in 1666.
Notably, the road connected the bridgehead on the Thames directly to what would evolve into Newgate on the London Wall, continuing its course over Ludgate Hill and the Fleet, ultimately bifurcating into Watling Street and the Devil’s Highway as it progressed westward toward Silchester.
What are the key findings from the recent rediscovery of Watling Street in South-East London?
**Interview with Archaeologist Gillian King: Rediscovering Watling Street in South-East London**
**Editor:** Today we have Gillian King with us, an archaeologist involved in the recent discovery of a significant section of the ancient Roman road, Watling Street, in South-East London. Gillian, thank you for joining us!
**Gillian King:** Thank you for having me! I’m excited to share our findings.
**Editor:** This discovery seems quite remarkable. Can you tell us about the historical importance of Watling Street?
**Gillian King:** Absolutely. Watling Street played a crucial role in connecting various parts of the Roman Empire. It originated from the Roman port at Dover and ran through London all the way to the West Midlands. This 276-mile route facilitated trade and travel, and it was even traversed by notable figures like Emperor Hadrian.
**Editor:** What makes this find particularly significant for the study of Roman archaeology in London?
**Gillian King:** This discovery has redefined our understanding of the Roman roads in the capital. For years, historians and archaeologists struggled to pinpoint the exact route of Watling Street, especially in London, where previous evidence was scarce. Our findings during the expansion of the low-carbon heat network in Southwark have provided substantial insights into the ancient city’s layout.
**Editor:** That’s fascinating! Can you describe what was revealed during the excavation?
**Gillian King:** We uncovered distinct layers of construction. The foundation we found consisted of compacted gravel, which was topped with two layers of chalk. This design not only showcases the engineering skills of Roman builders but also demonstrates the meticulous planning and execution involved in Roman road construction.
**Editor:** How do you believe these findings will impact future archaeological research in London?
**Gillian King:** This discovery opens up new avenues for research. It allows us to better map out the Roman infrastructure and offers a chance to explore how these roads influenced the development of the city. It’s a key finding that can help us understand London’s historical transformation over the centuries.
**Editor:** It sounds like you have exciting times ahead! Thank you for sharing your insights with us, Gillian. We look forward to seeing how this discovery unfolds in the wider context of Roman history in Britain.
**Gillian King:** Thank you! I appreciate the opportunity to discuss this important find.