...By Lola Smith for TDPel Media.
Several stretches of surviving Roman London have been declared historic monuments by England’s National Heritage List, but they have been re-buried beneath the streets of London to protect them.
The listed monuments include the remains of the riverside walls and wooden wharfs from the third century, when London was a Roman outpost.
These walls were built to protect the city and were found under buildings on Upper and Lower Thames Street, which were once on the north foreshore of the river.
This latest discovery sheds light on London’s Roman past.
The Mystery of the Riverside Wall
The construction of the riverside wall has raised many questions about the Roman London era.
The wall effectively cut off the once bustling port, but the reason behind it remains unclear.
However, it suggests a major move towards defense at a time of uncertainty for the Roman provinces.
Duncan Wilson, the chief executive of Historic England, said that the riverside wall remains an intriguing element of Roman London that raises almost as many questions as it answers.
He added that, by adding these sites to the National Heritage List, their national significance can be recognized, and their conservation can be managed to ensure they remain part of London’s rich history.
New Roman Tourist Attraction in the Pipeline
Plans for a new subterranean Roman tourist attraction may result from a row over a proposed 32-storey tower on Gracechurch Street in the heart of the Square Mile.
The site is London’s original Roman forum, which was an open-air square and the heart of the city until it was destroyed by Rome in AD300 as a punishment for Londoners backing a rival leader.
The application includes plans for a “heritage garden” to house artefacts from the Museum of London’s archives and a virtual reality experience that would bring the site to life.
London already has the Mithraeum, the remains of a Roman temple found under the HQ of news organisation Bloomberg, which is open to the public.
Analysis and Commentaries
This news article provides insight into the efforts made to preserve London’s Roman history.
The re-burial of the newly listed historic monuments to protect them is a commendable move.
It’s also interesting to note that even in a city as densely populated as London, there are still mysteries waiting to be uncovered, as seen in the case of the riverside wall.
The reason behind its construction has raised many questions about the era, suggesting a major move towards defense during a time of uncertainty for the Roman provinces.
Adding these sites to the National Heritage List ensures their significance can be recognized and preserved for future generations.
The proposed subterranean Roman tourist attraction is an innovative way to bring London’s Roman past to life.
With plans for a “heritage garden” and a virtual reality experience, tourists can immerse themselves in the history of the city.
The Mithraeum is already a popular tourist destination, and the proposed attraction could attract more visitors to the city.
It’s an excellent way to showcase the city’s rich history and preserve its past for future generations.
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