2,000-year-old ‘most important’ Roman road unearthed in southeast London

Watling Street was built shortly after the Roman invasion of Britain in 43 AD. The latest find was identified as by archaeologists from the Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA).

A key discovery

The 276-mile route was traveled by many Roman emperors, including Hadrian in 122 AD. Hadrian used it to reach the site where he ordered the construction of the famous Hadrian’s Wall, which separated England from Scotland.

Despite the characteristic straightness of Roman roads, archaeologists faced challenges pinpointing the exact route through London. According to archaeologist Gillian King, this discovery “has redrawn the Roman road map for Southwark and informs on Roman construction techniques generally,” marking a key finding for London’s archaeological research.

The uncovered section lies south of the Old Kent Road and Ilderton Road junction. Well-preserved, it measures about 19 feet (5.8 meters) wide and nearly 5 feet (1.4 meters) high. 

The Southwark Council press release reveals distinct layers of the road’s construction, including a solid foundation of compacted gravel sealed by two layers of chalk. It was also topped with an additional layer of sand and gravel. The original surface, likely made of similar materials, would have been at a comparable level to the modern road. As of now, the base of the modern road rests directly on the Roman structure.

Celebrating the past

Experts also highlight the vibrant history of Old Kent Road. Pilgrims of Geoffrey Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales walked along Watling Street in the Middle Ages, and more recently, it featured in the 1979 film Moonraker, as well as the long-running television series Doctor Who.

The discovery was made during the preliminary work to extend low-carbon heating to 3,000 more council homes along Old Kent Road. This initiative aims to reduce the borough’s carbon footprint by 11,100 tonnes annually.

Councillor Helen Dennis, cabinet member for new homes and sustainable development, said, “It’s extraordinary to literally be peeling back the layers of Old Kent Road’s history as we work towards a greener future by expanding Southwark’s low carbon heat network.” 

Experts also believe this discovery offers valuable insights into Roman architecture. A sign on the Old Kent Road bridge, now decorated with a vibrant mural titled ‘A Home from Home’, will commemorate it.

The Independent reported that the London section of Watling Street was originally rediscovered during Christopher Wren’s reconstruction of St Mary-le-Bow between 1671 and 1673, following the Great Fire of London in 1666.