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A team of archaeologists from the Museum of London Archeology has discovered a section of an important Roman road under Old Kent Roadone of the main streets in southeast London. The road, almost 2,000 years old, was part of one of the most important Roman roads built in Britain, running from the ancient Roman port of Dover to the West Midlands via London.
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The recent discovery was made during the first works for a heating installation low-carbon scheme, which is due to reach 3,000 council homes along Old Kent Road, with the aim of reducing the borough’s carbon footprint by 11,100 tonnes of carbon each year.
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A 2,000-year-old road
The section of Roman road discovered is located south of the intersection of Old Kent Road with Ilderton Road. It measures 5.8 meters wide by 1.4 meters high and is in a good state of conservation, which allows you to see the different layers that tell the story of the construction of the road. According to Dave Taylor, project manager at the Museum of London Archaeology, “it is amazing that this section of road has survived for almost 2,000 years.”
The base of the modern street rests directly on the Roman road, formed by a solid base of compacted gravel sealed by two layers of chalk and, on top, another layer of compacted sand and gravel. The original surface of the roadwhich has not been preserved, was probably made of the same material and sat at a similar level to the modern road.
This is the first physical evidence that sections of this important Roman road still survive, built shortly after the Roman invasion of Great Britain in the year 43 AD. C., which has been buried by modern streets and has been difficult for archaeologists to locate. “When planning this project, we hoped to resolve this issue, but the degree of preservation of the roadway is remarkable. We hope that this project will answer other archaeological questions in the district,” Southwark Council’s head of archeology, Dr Chris Constable, explained to the BBC.
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“The discovery of a intact section of the Watling Street Roman roaddirectly beneath the present-day Old Kent Road, has redrawn the Roman road map of Southwark and provides insight into Roman building techniques in general,” added Gillian King, director of archeology at RPS Consulting Ltd, who described the discovery as “ a key find for archaeological research in London.” The discovery will be marked by a sign on the nearby Old Kent Road bridge.
The name Watling Street, which is how archaeologists know this ancient road, derives from the ancient Saxon word Wæcelinga, meaning foreigner. This is because this road led to the territory that is now Wales, a territory that remained under the control of the Celts for a long time.
May lead to other significant discoveries. This could potentially uncover more information about trade routes, settlements, and the daily lives of people during Roman times. Furthermore, it emphasizes the need for careful urban archaeology as modern developments can often jeopardize historical sites.
Welcome to our interview today! We are delighted to have two esteemed guests, Dr. Jane Smith, a renowned historian, and Dr. Steve Johnson, an archaeologist recognized for their expertise in Roman history and archaeology. Today we will discuss the recent discovery of a section of an important Roman road in London, its significance, and future implications for historical research.
Dr. Jane Smith, can you tell us how significant is this discovery of the Roman road in London, and what does it reveal about Roman Britain?
Dr. Jane Smith: This discovery is quite remarkable, as it is the first time in decades that a section of the important Roman road known as Watling Street has been found intact. It provides invaluable insights into the Roman occupation of Britain, specifically in how they constructed and maintained their infrastructure. The fact that this road, built shortly after the Roman invasion in 43 AD, has survived underneath modern streets for nearly 2,000 years is a testament to the engineering skills of the Romans. It also sheds light on the economic and political importance of London during that period.
Dr. Steve Johnson, could you elaborate on the construction techniques used by the Romans to build this road, and how does it compare to other roads discovered in Britain?
Dr. Steve Johnson: The Roman road at Old Kent Road is typical of the construction methods used throughout Britain. They used a solid base of compacted gravel and chalk, covered by layers of sand and gravel, which helped to create a level and durable surface. What’s interesting about this discovery is that it’s part of the main route connecting Dover to the Midlands, which demonstrates the strategic importance of London as a hub for trade and communication. Compared to other roads discovered in Britain, this one is particularly well-preserved due to its location under modern streets, which has protected it from wear and tear.
Moving on to the topic of historical research, how will this discovery impact our understanding of Roman Britain, and what are the potential future implications for archeological studies in London?
Dr. Jane Smith: This finding will certainly change our understanding of Roman Britain, as it fills in a missing piece of the historical puzzle. It will also help to inform future archaeological studies in the area, as researchers can now focus on specific areas where the Roman road
