Museum of London Archaeology, supported by the City of London, today (2 December) publishes a comprehensive study of London’s Roman amphitheatre, discovered under Guildhall during excavations between 1985 and 1999.
The uncovering of one of Roman London’s most significant buildings marked one of the most exciting archaeological finds in the City, and the remains (which are currently displayed in Guildhall Art Gallery) have become a must-see attraction for Londoners and tourists.
Alongside the book, previously unseen artefacts found during the excavation will go on permanent display. Exquisite gold and pearl jewellery are now on show, as well as coins, cooking utensils and drinking vessels, all of which illustrate the activity surrounding the amphitheatre in its heyday. Decorative brooches and buckles, which fell off spectators’ clothing and were recovered from under the arena’s seating areas, are also featured. One notable find was an elaborately carved bone hairpin.
The book gives a thorough account of the excavation and the research which followed, giving us a detailed picture of the amphitheatre’s history and the lives of the Londoners who used and visited it. From the original timber construction, built circa AD74, evidence was found of the eastern entrance, arena palisade, seating bank and associated drains.
Shortly after AD120 it was rebuilt with masonry foundations and walls and new timber stands. Abandoned by the mid-4th century, the amphitheatre was largely demolished and sealed by ‘dark earth’. The arena may have survived as an oval depression until the area was reoccupied in the 11th century. The book offers conjectured reconstructions of the site and comparisons with other British amphitheatres. It also explores significant finds from the site, including an early second-century AD dump of glass cullet, lead curses from the arena, and Samian pottery with gladiatorial motifs.
The publication marks the completion of the Guildhall Yard East project, which has opened this extraordinary slice of hidden London to the public. It is a companion piece to The London Guildhall: an archaeological history of a neighbourhood from early medieval to modern times, also published by Museum of London Archaeology.
Notes to editors
For more information and images, please contact: Press@museumoflondon.org.uk or call 020 7814 5503.
London’s Roman amphitheatre: Guildhall Yard, City of London by Nick Bateman, Carrie Cowan, Robin Wroe-Brown, published by Museum of London Archaeology (Hardback 241pp + CD-ROM. 176 bl/wh and col ills) £29.95
This book is a partner publication to The London Guildhall: an archaeological history of a neighbourhood from early medieval to modern times by David Bowsher, Tony Dyson, Nick Holder, Isca Howell published by Museum of London Archaeology (Hardback 536 pp + CD-ROM. 427 bl/wh and col ills (2-part set) £65.00
The City of London provides local government services for the Square Mile, the financial and commercial heart of Britain, and is committed to maintaining and enhancing the status of the business City as the world's leading international financial and business centre through its policies and services. Its responsibilities also extend far beyond the City boundaries and include management of Guildhall Art Gallery, Barbican Centre, Central Criminal Court at the Old Bailey, 10,700 acres of open space including Hampstead Heath and Epping Forest, three wholesale food markets, as well as acting as the London Port Health Authority.
Museum of London Archaeology has been providing professional archaeological services to the property industry and academic community for the past 30 years. It is an independent division of the Museum of London, one of world’s largest museums of urban history. Meeting the requirements of the planning process efficiently and cost-effectively, Museum of London Archaeology designs innovative projects that lead to a greater understanding of our past. At any one time Museum of London may have around a dozen excavations going on across London. For more information visit www.museumoflondon.org.uk/archaeology
Museum of London Archaeology, together with Museum of London and Museum of London Docklands, seeks to inspire a passion for London. Located at London Wall, Museum of London tells the lively story of London from prehistoric times to the present day. Housed in a Grade I listed Georgian warehouse at West India Quay, Museum of London Docklands explores London's long history as a port through stories of trade, migration and commerce.
Guildhall Art Gallery
Guildhall Art Gallery is located on the east side of Guildhall Yard, adjacent to the historic Guildhall in the City of London.
Opening hours
Monday - Saturday: 10.00am - 5.00pm
Sunday: 12.00noon - 4.00pm
Last admissions are 30 minutes before the advertised closing time.
Please note that Guildhall Art Gallery & Roman London’s Amphitheatre is occasionally required to close at short notice due to civic or state functions. To confirm the current situation you are advised to call 020 7332 3700 or textphone 020 7332 3803 for a daily recorded message concerning notice of any additional closures occurring before those listed on the Guildhall Art Gallery closures page.
How to get there
Guildhall Art Gallery & Roman London's Amphitheatre
Guildhall Yard (off Gresham Street)
London EC2V 5AE
Bus routes: 242, 25, 8 and 501 (alight in Cheapside), 11,15, 23 and 26 (alight in Queen Victoria Street), 43, 76, 133, 141, 214, 271 (alight in Moorgate), 172 (alight at London Wall).
Tube Stations: Bank, St Paul’s, Mansion House (Bow Lane exit), Moorgate.
Admission
- Adults £2.50, concessions £1, children under 16 free
- All day on Fridays and from 3.30pm on other days - free.
- Free entry for NACF members and members of the
- Friends of Guildhall Art Gallery
- Free entry to City residents and City workers
Entry to Guildhall Art Gallery is free if you live or work in the City of London. Simply present proof of your home or work address as appropriate.