Excavations at 25 Cannon Street, City of London - Nicholas J Elsden

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.