ANCIENT LONDON RELIC.

Timaru Herald, Volume XIIC, Issue 14015, 25 September 1909, Page 3

ANCIENT LONDON RELIC.

ROMAN WALL DISCOVERED. Some important excavations carried on by the Society of Antiquaries on a portion of the site of Christ's Hospital, near Giltspur Street, have resulted iu the discovery of a bastion of the old City wall of London. 'The City wall is, of course, a- relic of Roman times; its direction and memory are preserved to Londoners whose tastes are not archaelogical in f the thoroughfares named London-wall. The wall was known to have, passed through the area of Christ's Hospital, between Aldersgate and Newgate; and in the course, of the recent building operations, -the lower parts of two bastions were discovered, but unfortunately they had to be destroyed .beforo the wo> - k could progress. The bastion just uncovered is, however,, in. a portion of tho ground that

will probably not bo built on for some years.; and it is to be hoped that some steps may be taken to preserve such an interesting and important relic of ancient London. The work of eveavation has been carried on under the direction of Mr Philip Norman, L.L.D., the treasurer of"the Society of Antiquaries, and by Francis W. Header, of the Archaeological Institute. The Roman ground level was reached about 12ft below the present surface, and the wall, which is about Bft. in thickness at the base, rises to within 4ft. of the present Icvrl. The bastion was probably erected to strengthen the wall, for it is evidently of later date. It is of large size, and in shape somewhat resen bles a horseshoe; and iu many important respects the foundations differ from those which have been found elsewhore, thus giving it a peculiar interest to archaeologists. A large quantity of fragments of Roman pottery have also been found in the course of the excavations.