Roman and medieval development south of Newgate: excavations at 3–9 Newgate Street and 16–17 Old Bailey, City of London

2006

Excavations near Newgate revealed important evidence of the area’s development, beginning with a natural stream which flowed south-west to the River Fleet. Early Roman activity included roadside timber buildings, with a roadside cemetery, quarrying and pitting to the west. A large 2nd-century AD masonry foundation, located near the road and east of the city defences, was at first said to be part of a monumental arch but this is now thought unlikely and it may be the base for a tower or some other roadside structure. The stream channel was infilled during the 2nd century AD prior to construction of the city defences, which would have crossed it. Medieval rubbish pits and masonry building foundations were recorded at both sites.

Archaeology Studies Series 14