Ancient find discovered amid low carbon heating expansion project in London
Archaeologists recently made a fascinating discovery while excavating the Old Kent Road in London as part of a project to expand low carbon heating to homes in the area. The team unearthed physical evidence of an ancient Roman road, shedding new light on the history of the region.
Known as Wating Street, the road was constructed shortly after the Roman invasion of Britain in AD 43. Prior to this discovery, there was limited evidence to pinpoint the exact route of the ancient road, making this find particularly significant for historians and archaeologists.
The excavation was carried out by a team of experts from the Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA), working in collaboration with Veolia and archaeological consultants RPS, A Tetra Tech Company. The discovery of an intact section of Roman Wating Street beneath the modern-day Old Kent Road has provided valuable insights into Roman construction techniques and the layout of ancient roads in Southwark.
The well-preserved section of the Roman road revealed distinct layers that helped experts understand its construction. Measuring 5.8 meters wide and 1.4 meters high, the road was built on a solid foundation of gravel, sealed by two layers of chalk, and topped with a layer of compacted sand and gravel.
Dave Taylor, MOLA project manager, expressed excitement about the discovery, noting the survival of this section of road for nearly 2,000 years despite the various activities that have taken place in the area over the centuries. The team plans to commemorate the find with a sign near Old Kent Road Bridge, highlighting the historical significance of the site.
The discovery of the ancient Roman road adds a new chapter to the history of London and underscores the importance of ongoing archaeological research in uncovering the mysteries of the past. This remarkable find will be documented and preserved for future generations to appreciate and learn from.
Ashlyn Messier is a writer for Fox News Digital.
