A medieval abbey has been found in Bermondsey, London under what is now London's largest antique market. It is 900 years old.
Medieval abbey found under popular market
The Daily Mail
1st November 2006
Uncovered: The church walls are uncovered by archaeologists (top right) and how the abbey would have looked (bottom right). The remains of a monk (left) were also excavated
For centuries it has lain hidden beneath what is now London's largest antique market. Today, one of our greatest medieval secrets is revealed.
Archaeologists have unearthed the remains of the 900-year-old Bermondsey Abbey church, along with a trove of perfectly preserved treasures.
Their key finds include stone gargoyles - remnants of what was once one of the most important religious buildings in London - and the skeletons of some of the monks who toiled there. They have even found an example of medieval graffiti, a knight carved into the stonework.
An assortment of Roman, Saxon and Norman pottery has also been uncovered.
Locals have always known that the New Caledonian Antique Market was built on the site of the 11th century abbey.
But it was not until a major redevelopment that archaeologists were called in to ensure that the remains were safe.
The team found that the structure of the building was in good condition, with outer walls still intact up to 3ft high.
Supervising archaeologist Alistair Douglas said: "The Bermondsey site is the most significant medieval find uncovered in London for the past 20 years. The level of survival of some of the remains is astonishing, especially when you consider their central urban location.
"The site is huge. The only other church I know of that is bigger in the capital is Westminster Abbey.
"These findings are giving us an invaluable insight into the history of London.
Although much of the abbey will be covered again as the square is rebuilt, the architects have decided to include an area of glass floor in a new restaurant so that diners can see some of the remains.
Giles L Sequeira, spokesman for the developers' consultants Grace Lea, said: "It is rare to be involved in such a unique, fascinating historical project.
"The dig has been of tremendous interest to us and we have made every effort to ensure the Bermondsey Square development preserves all of the findings for future generations.
The abbey, dedicated to St Saviour, was founded by a group of French monks in 1082 and took seven years to build.
It was demolished by Henry VIII and a manor erected directly on the foundations, protecting it from the plunder of stones.
Readers' comments
Wow. In Orlando a 40-year-old building is considered special.
- Dudus Maximus, Orlando, USA
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Wonderful. I hope we shall be able to see the treausures in the Museum of London in due course.
- Shirley, UK
---------------------------------------------
It's a pity we don't do more to preserve this type of thing like they do in Rome. Rather than just build on top of it, the developers should make it accessible as an underground museum.
- Dawn, London
dailymail.co.uk
Medieval abbey found under popular market
The Daily Mail
1st November 2006
Uncovered: The church walls are uncovered by archaeologists (top right) and how the abbey would have looked (bottom right). The remains of a monk (left) were also excavated
For centuries it has lain hidden beneath what is now London's largest antique market. Today, one of our greatest medieval secrets is revealed.
Archaeologists have unearthed the remains of the 900-year-old Bermondsey Abbey church, along with a trove of perfectly preserved treasures.
Their key finds include stone gargoyles - remnants of what was once one of the most important religious buildings in London - and the skeletons of some of the monks who toiled there. They have even found an example of medieval graffiti, a knight carved into the stonework.
An assortment of Roman, Saxon and Norman pottery has also been uncovered.
Locals have always known that the New Caledonian Antique Market was built on the site of the 11th century abbey.
But it was not until a major redevelopment that archaeologists were called in to ensure that the remains were safe.
The team found that the structure of the building was in good condition, with outer walls still intact up to 3ft high.
Supervising archaeologist Alistair Douglas said: "The Bermondsey site is the most significant medieval find uncovered in London for the past 20 years. The level of survival of some of the remains is astonishing, especially when you consider their central urban location.
"The site is huge. The only other church I know of that is bigger in the capital is Westminster Abbey.
"These findings are giving us an invaluable insight into the history of London.
Although much of the abbey will be covered again as the square is rebuilt, the architects have decided to include an area of glass floor in a new restaurant so that diners can see some of the remains.
Giles L Sequeira, spokesman for the developers' consultants Grace Lea, said: "It is rare to be involved in such a unique, fascinating historical project.
"The dig has been of tremendous interest to us and we have made every effort to ensure the Bermondsey Square development preserves all of the findings for future generations.
The abbey, dedicated to St Saviour, was founded by a group of French monks in 1082 and took seven years to build.
It was demolished by Henry VIII and a manor erected directly on the foundations, protecting it from the plunder of stones.
Readers' comments
Wow. In Orlando a 40-year-old building is considered special.
- Dudus Maximus, Orlando, USA
---------------------------------------------
Wonderful. I hope we shall be able to see the treausures in the Museum of London in due course.
- Shirley, UK
---------------------------------------------
It's a pity we don't do more to preserve this type of thing like they do in Rome. Rather than just build on top of it, the developers should make it accessible as an underground museum.
- Dawn, London
dailymail.co.uk
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