Settlement in Roman Southwark

The latest in a series of reports on the archaeological excavations near London Bridge Station, this volume focuses on important discoveries relating to the origins and development of Roman Southwark. From the prehistoric period on this area formed the northernmost end of a series of sandy islands in the tidal reaches of the Thames. The earliest Roman features were drainage ditches and quarry pits associated with the construction of a road to the Thames bridgehead. Eight buildings were recorded along the eastern side of the road, including a blacksmiths' workshop. All of these buildings were destroyed by fire in the Boudican revolt of AD 60/61. New timber and masonry buildings were constructed in the area during the late 1st and 2nd centuries. These included shops, a market hall, and a warehouse. Excavations revealed that extensive land reclamation took place on the marginal eastern fringes of the island before the construction of 2nd and 3rd century houses. One of these houses contained a mosaic, and painted wall plaster was recorded to the west of the road with part of a large building interpreted as a mansio .