The Missing Link? Museum of London display brings Roman and Saxon London together

18 May 2007

The maps of Roman and Saxon London are being redrawn by archaeological treasures going on display at Museum of London from 24 May – 8 August 2007.

The extraordinary finds, from an archaeological dig at the church of St Martin-in-the-Fields, Trafalgar Square, include a stone sarcophagus containing the skeleton of a middle aged Roman man, and exquisite Saxon grave goods. Ranging from AD410 to 600, the finds offer tantalising clues to a previously hidden period in London’s history.

London’s story usually features a ghostly two hundred year silence between the end of Roman Londinium and the settlement of Saxon Lundenwic, further to the west. The finds going on display at the Museum are challenging archaeologists’ long held belief that the two were unconnected.

The stone sarcophagus contains a man who died around AD410. His limestone coffin suggests he was a man of considerable wealth and high standing. A kiln for making tiles found near to his grave points to Roman building work, well outside the walls of the city, at the very time when Londinium was falling into ruin. He appears to be a man out of time and out of place.

Visitors will be able to see one of the very last Roman Londoners in a specially designed and contemplative display that reflects the Museum’s commitment to the value and respect of human remains.

Whilst the sarcophagus shows Roman civilisation existed for a generation at least after Londinium had been abandoned, other finds from the site suggest Saxon settlement of the city occurred much earlier than previously thought. A clay pot dating to around AD500, hand thrown, styled and decorated in a manner introduced by Saxon immigrants from the continent, is the earliest such find in central London.

Further layers from this occluded era of London’s history are revealed in fine jewellery, glass and metal vessels. These were found in the graves of high status individuals being buried on the site after AD600, and who may well have been Christians.

The Museum’s display includes a beautiful and perfectly preserved gold pendant with glittering glass stone, a pristine glass cup, amethyst beads, and a rare copper hanging bowl with a delicate enamelled motif. The bowl was placed at the foot of a burial with an offering of hazelnuts, in a symbol of rebirth.

It is not known whether there was a church here in the AD600s, but the Museum’s display attests to the site’s special, perhaps sacred, significance throughout the two hundred years thought to separate Roman Londinium and Saxon Lundenwic. St-Martins-in-the-Fields, right in the heart of modern day capital, has offered up a rich palimpsest of finds through which London, ever changing, tells its story afresh once again.

Francis Grew, Senior Curator at Museum of London says:

'The late Roman man at the centre of our display symbolises the passing of the ancient world.  Until now archaeologists have believed the there was no direct link between Roman Londinium and Saxon Lundenwic. The St Martin’s dig is making them change their minds.'

The Rev Nicholas Holtam, Vicar of St Martin-in-the-Fields, comments:

'When we discovered this find, it was extraordinarily moving, raising the possibility that St Martin-in-the-Fields has been a sacred site for much longer than we previously thought. The sarcophagus and body are from the time of St Martin himself, who died in 397 AD on the banks of the River Loire, and whose Christian life and charity have so deeply influenced this church.  I am delighted that through this display, The Museum of London is able to share this find with so many people, revealing St Martin’s unknown past.'

For more information and images please contact
Tim Morley on 020 7814 5607 / 0775 8217194
tmorley@museumoflondon.org.uk

Notes to editors

1. The Museum of London tells the lively story of London from pre-historic times to the present day. Find out what Romans ate for dinner, experience the Great Fire of London and find out when pointy shoes first became fashionable. Reconstructed interiors and street scenes are alternated with displays of original artefacts found in the museum's archaeological digs.
2. From March 2007 to Summer 2009, the museum will be redeveloping its lower galleries to retell the story of London and Londoners from 1666 to the present day. The £18 million project, which is the largest the Museum has seen since opening in 1976, will revitalize the galleries, open up 25% more gallery space and create a glass frontage overlooking London Wall. The new galleries will open in 2009 with significantly increased access to the Museum’s objects, both in the galleries and online, and will also include a new Clore Learning Centre, a theatre and the Sackler Hall containing an information zone and coffee point.
3. Throughout the redevelopment work, visitors will continue to be able to discover the city's many incarnations in the London before London, Roman London, and Medieval London galleries, together with London's Burning and a series of topical exhibitions. A full programme of activities and events for all ages, bringing London's past and present to life, will continue.
4. St Martin-in-the-Fields is undergoing a £36m Renewal Project.  This will be completed in 2008 to reveal an updated interior and exterior, as well as better access to the vital social care, music, hospitality and worship associated with this world-famous London landmark.
5. To date over £30m has been raised to fund the project through a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund and many other generous supporters.
6. St Martin-in-the-Fields is now closed to the public. On Sunday 30 September, services will resume in the restored church. The Café and Shop in the Crypt, the Gallery and London Brass-Rubbing Centre will re-open to the public on Monday 1 October 2007. For more information, please visit the website on www.smitf.org