Excavations at 25 Cannon Street, City of London

This report provides a chronological account of excavation findings at 25 Cannon Street, supported by many illustrations and specialist contributions. The dig revealed a long sequence of occupation, and adds to findings made on the site in 1954. Redeposited pottery provided rare evidence for Middle Bronze Age activity in the area of the City of London. Early Roman quarrying and timber buildings were followed by increased development from c. AD 70. By the late 2nd century the area included masonry buildings, some possessing tessellated floors. Building alignments indicate the route of a Roman road immediately to the north of the site, beneath Watling Street. One Roman building was occupied until the late 4th century, its ruins covered by 'dark earth'. Four cellared buildings had been constructed on the site by the mid 11th century, and pre-dated Friday Street and the Church of St Werburga, later St John the Evangelist. The church was founded between 1098 and 1108, and was rebuilt with a wider chancel in the 13th or 14th century. Medieval and later buildings, cellars and cesspits were associated with occupation up to the Great Fire.