Archaeologists in London have uncovered an extraordinary Roman funerary bed, believed to be the first of its kind found in Britain, along with a selection of remarkably well-preserved artifacts from various periods. This discovery was made at Holborn Viaduct in central London during preliminary excavations for a large office development. The items found include five oak coffins, a decorated lamp, a glass vial, and beads made of jet and amber. The wooden objects’ preservation is attributed to the waterlogged soil around the site, which was historically near the now-lost River Fleet.
The Roman bed is particularly notable because, while beds are commonly depicted in Roman funerary sculptures, actual beds used in burials are rare. This bed, made of oak, appears to have been dismantled before being placed in the grave. It is a finely carved piece of furniture that was originally held together with pegged joints. This discovery is significant as it provides a complete example of a bed used in a Roman burial, something that has not been previously found in Britain. The burial’s artifacts, including a lamp dated between 48-80 AD, suggest that the deceased might have been among the earliest Romans in London, shortly after the Roman invasion of 43 AD.
The site has yielded a wealth of other finds as archaeologists worked their way down to the Roman levels, including evidence of medieval and 16th-century occupations, highlighting the area’s long history of human use. The discoveries have been described as astonishing by the archaeological team due to the level of preservation of wooden items, which is uncommon in London finds.
All the discovered items are currently undergoing conservation, with hopes that some will eventually be put on public display within the new buildings being developed on the site. This discovery not only adds to our understanding of Roman funerary practices but also provides a vivid glimpse into the life and death of early Roman Londoners.