Prehistoric to 1700

Our early collections are the responsibility of the Department of Early London History, which covers the period from the first human occupation of the Lower Thames Valley in about 500,000 BC right up to AD 1700.

The collections are divided into four key periods: prehistoric (500,000 BC – AD 43), Roman (AD 43 - 410), Saxon & medieval (AD 410 - 1485), and Tudor & Stuart (AD 1485 - 1700). The Department also contains the London Archaeological Archive and Research Centre (LAARC).

The LAARC includes the Centre for Human Bioarchaeology that cares for our collection of human remains. Please use the headings on the left to view details of these collections. If you wish to find out more, click on Access and Enquiries.

Note

Many objects from this period are held in the archaeological archive. Please visit the archive section to find our more.