Fast on the heals of the remains of some Roman docks being found by Upper Thames Street in London, last weeks another Roman find made the news in the U.K. What the archeologists involved call a “Completely unique” Roman mausoleum.
Though the news sites have just mentioned them, it is something that I’ve known about for a year or so given that I walk past the site often on my Charles Dickens and Great Crimes and Punishments tours.
The remains of the structure at the Liberty of Southwark site in Borough have been described as “extremely rare” and feature preserved floors and walls.
Archaeologists think the site was used as some form of burial ground or tomb for wealthier members of Roman society.
The dig was led by the Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA) on behalf of Landsec and Transport for London (TfL).
MOLA believes the quality of preservation makes it the most intact Roman mausoleum ever to be discovered in Britain.
Alongside the central mosaic, raised platforms were found and steps on the lowest side were still intact.
Excavators were surprised to find two layers to the site, with another similarly designed mosaic found beneath the first floor. They believe that the building was modified at some point, with the floor raised.
“All signs indicate this was a substantial building,” says MOLA, “perhaps two storeys high.”
While the site is believed to be a burial location, no coffins were found. However, more than 100 coins, fragments of pottery, roofing tiles and pieces of metal were discovered. It seems however the original building likely fell into disrepair and likely robbed/stripped of treasures a thousand or so years ago.
There has been a sustained period of excavation at the site, where the largest Roman mosaic found in London for over 50 years was uncovered in 2022.
Antonietta Lerz, senior archaeologist at MOLA, says the site is a “microcosm for the changing fortunes of Roman London” and provides “a fascinating window” into the life of its settlers
Work on creating a permanent display is planned, says the team behind the find.
Personally I find Borough to be one of the most fascinating and invigorating part of London and I think much of this is built upon how the area served pilgrims leaving London and indeed being home to many of the less salubrious activities in life and I think this all started with the Romans.
People more connected with the dig than I have commented that they believe this will force many to re-evaluate the history of Borough and Southwark and its importance to Roman Londinium but some of us who live and breathe both Romans and Southwark don’t have to do. You can barely dig a hole here without coming across a Roman something or other. With all the new discoveries being made and all the things I keep adding to it, it may be soon time to add on a 5 hour option to my Roman London Walking Tour.
Stephen Liddell 
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