Uncovering the Hidden Saxon Settlement Beneath London
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Chapter 1: The Discovery of Lundenwic
Recent archaeological investigations have uncovered that Lundenwic, a settlement established by Germanic Saxons hailing from Westphalia and Lower Saxony, spanned a larger area than previously thought. Excavations in London have revealed remnants dating back 1,400 years.
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Section 1.1: The Roman Legacy
Britain was under Roman rule for over 350 years, beginning with Emperor Claudius' invasion in 43 AD. Roman culture thrived until the fall of the empire in 410 AD. Londinium, the precursor to modern-day London, was founded soon after the Romans arrived. The Roman historian Tacitus documented the settlement as a bustling trade center by 60 AD. But what transpired after the Romans departed?
Subsection 1.1.1: The Rise of Lundenwic
The Romans established Londinium north of the marshy Thames valley, near two low hills. However, from the 5th century onward, the city's prominence began to wane. Following the Anglo-Saxon conquest, a new settlement was formed roughly 1.5 kilometers west of Londinium, known as Lundenwic. The suffix “wic” in Old English signifies a trading settlement. Genetic research indicates that over half of Britain's population had Germanic ancestry within just 15 generations.
Until the early 1980s, evidence of a Saxon settlement in London was scarce. This changed with large-scale construction projects that necessitated excavation, leading to the discovery of Lundenwic's remnants in Covent Garden. The settlement is believed to have stretched from Trafalgar Square to present-day Aldwych, housing an estimated population of up to 10,000.
Section 1.2: Insights from Recent Excavations
The National Gallery in London is set to celebrate its 200th anniversary. This prestigious museum, established by Parliament in 1824, is one of the largest art galleries globally, featuring masterpieces from the late 13th to early 20th centuries, including works by renowned artists like Van Gogh and Monet.
During renovations, archaeologists uncovered significant findings. A report from researchers at University College London highlighted that the Saxon city center extended farther west than previously understood. Among the discoveries were hearths, postholes, and other remnants marking the boundaries of properties in Lundenwic. One hearth was dated to between 659 and 774 AD, indicating continuous habitation through the Middle Ages.
Chapter 2: Lundenwic's Struggle Against Viking Invasions
The first video titled "The London Underground Has Secrets You Wouldn't Expect" explores the hidden histories of London's underground systems, shedding light on the past beneath the bustling city.
Lundenwic faced devastating Viking raids beginning in the late 8th century, with London repeatedly ravaged and its residents killed. Despite the defensive structures established by its inhabitants, the settlement struggled to withstand the onslaught. By the late 9th century, many residents had migrated back within the walls of Roman Londinium as Alfred the Great worked to reclaim the territory from Viking control.
The second video, "What They Discovered Under London Shocked The World," reveals the astonishing finds unearthed during recent excavations, highlighting the historical significance of Lundenwic.
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