Shoreditch park digging for history
1 July 2005
To mark the 60th Anniversary of the end of World War II, the Museum of London is undertaking an archaeological dig at Shoreditch Park in Hackney.
This park was formerly the site of high-density housing. During the war much of it was destroyed by bombing raids on London. After 1945, in response to a nation wide housing shortage, some of the site was used for temporary ‘prefab’ houses until the whole site was turned into a community park in the 1980’s.
The map shows the area of Shoreditch Park as it was during the Second World War and the damage done during enemy bombing. New North Road, Poole Street, Rushton Street and Bridport Place bound what is now Shoreditch Park.
The area was first damaged during the Blitz of 1940-1 by aerial mines and incendiary devices. In 1940-45 V1 and V2 rockets also hit the area. The effect of these attacks on the Shoreditch Park region is shown on the map. By the end of the war some houses were still standing whilst others were in ruins, the area was not completely cleared to create the park until the 1980’s.
Studying the archaeology of 19th and 20th century London is a relatively new discipline. Traditionally we have used the historical record to tell the story of this period, and used the archaeology to understand the distant past. However, using archaeological practices, the studying of people through the remains of their possessions can help us learn about any historical period.
19th and 20th century London was one of the most important cities in the world. Through this dig we will discover more about everyday life in London during these historically important sites.
Join the Shoreditch park excavation
During the dig there will be daily site tour and activities for the whole family. For more information call 0870 444 3850 or send an email message to shoreditchpark@museumoflondon.org.uk.
The dig is the Museum of London’s event for the National Archaeology Week (16 & 24 July). Annual event organised by the council of British Archaeology.