Archaeologists discover prehistoric tools and a fragment of a Roman altar during restoration work at the Palace of Westminster, revealing a millennial human presence in the political heart of London
During restoration work at the iconic Palace of Westminster, seat of the British Parliament in London, a team of archaeologists made one of the most remarkable discoveries in the recent history of urban archaeology in the capital of the United Kingdom. Beneath the foundations of the building, which dates back more than a millennium, material evidence emerged that not only illustrates the long human presence in the area, but also rewrites notions about the evolution and use of this site over the centuries.
The ongoing restoration project, carried out by the Parliament Chambers Restoration and Refurbishment Programme Implementation Authority, includes a series of coordinated archaeological excavations in collaboration with specialists from the London Museum of Archaeology. The purpose of this intervention is twofold: to safeguard the historical legacy and to document each stage of occupation of this iconic site.
Discovery of historical artefacts during excavations
Since the excavations began, various objects have come to light, silent witnesses to millennia of human activity in the enclave. The discovery of these remains confirms that the Palace of Westminster is not only the political heart of the United Kingdom, but also a veritable underground archaeological archive. Among the objects discovered are a 19th-century beer jug and prehistoric tools, all representative of the successive layers of occupation and transformation of the site.
According to the official statement, this work seeks to shed light on the history of Westminster, a place closely linked to the major events that have marked the trajectory of the British nation. Historian Simon Thurley, chairman of the Delivery Authority, told Fox News Digital: ‘Westminster Palace has been a central part of our national history for a thousand years, the scene of momentous events that have marked the history of the United Kingdom.’ Thurley added the need to proceed with caution: ‘As we plan the major restoration and renovation of Parliament, we must be careful with the history we tread on, to protect it and learn from it.’
Prehistoric flint tools and fragments dating back 6,000 years
Evidence of the manufacture of prehistoric flint tools dating from approximately 4300 BC.
One of the oldest and most surprising discoveries was that of sixty pieces of flint, worked and fragmented during the period from the end of the Mesolithic to the beginning of the Neolithic, approximately 4300 BC. These stones, found in sand deposits near what was once Thorney Island, evidence the presence of communities that made tools and used the Westminster area for fishing, hunting and gathering.
The find includes irregular pieces of flint, some clearly carved to produce sharp-edged tools, technology that was essential for everyday life six millennia ago. Archaeologists consider the presence of a tool among the fragments to be particularly significant, as the location of these remains in the heart of London is highly unusual. Diane Abrams, head of archaeology at the Delivery Authority, told Fox News Digital: ‘While research suggested that we might find traces of early human activity at the site, I was surprised to discover direct evidence of flint tool making dating back some 6,000 years.’ Abrams added that finding these prehistoric remains in the heart of London is ‘incredibly rare.’
Remains of the Lesser Hall and its historical significance
The excavation work also uncovered the remains of one of the most iconic structures of the medieval period: the Lesser Hall, also known as the White Hall.
Built in 1167, this two-storey building originally served as the royal dining hall and later housed key institutions such as the Court of Chancery and the Houses of Commons and Lords. Archaeologists identified parts of the original walls, which miraculously survived the violent Great Fire of 1834.
Although the fire destroyed much of the Palace of Westminster, the solid stone walls of the Lesser Hall withstood the blaze and the building remained in use until its demolition in 1851.
These remains are considered the most important find of the current excavation, as they provide accurate information about the layout and preservation of medieval structures beneath contemporary architecture. ‘It was unclear how much would be preserved under the current courtyard and car park,’ Abrams said of the discovery of the remains of the Lesser Hall. Specialists documented and digitally recreated these remains before reburying them to ensure their preservation.
Other notable archaeological finds
Along with prehistoric and medieval materials, the archaeological campaign recovered a fragment of a Roman altar estimated to be 2,000 years old. This fragment was probably reused in later constructions, illustrating the common practice of reuse in historical architecture. In more recent strata, medieval objects such as shoe soles, straps and an 800-year-old leather boot were found, as well as a heart-shaped lead badge, possibly associated with romantic customs of the 14th or 15th centuries.
From modern times, especially the 19th century, fragments of clay pipes and a five-pint beer jug with inscriptions from the Ship and Turtle Tavern and the name Geo Painter, probably linked to the owner of the establishment at that time, were found. These pieces provide evidence of daily life during the restoration after the fire of 1834.
Statements and implications for restoration
Those responsible for the project emphasised that these findings reveal a chronology of human activity of extraordinary richness and complexity. ‘The discoveries reveal a remarkable chronology of human activity at this iconic site,’ said Diane Abrams. ‘The findings will also help guide the design and planning of future restoration work on Parliament.’
