| Title: |
Mercers' Hall, London EC2, City of London. An Archaeological Impact Assessment |
| Number of Pages: |
73 |
| Biblio Note |
Please note that this is a bibliographic record only, as originally entered into the BIAB database.
The ADS have no files for download, and unfortunately cannot advise further on where to access hard copy or digital versions.
|
| Publication Type: |
Report
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| Abstract: |
The assessment considered the archaeological and historical background to the site, the extent of existing basements and foundations, the depth and significance of surviving deposits and the likely impact on these of the proposed redevelopment. The level of the natural subsoil on the site was expected to lie at between 9.5m-10.5m OD, with the lower levels in the east and south-east of the site. The archaeological deposits and features that could survive on the site consisted of two Roman roads with successive associated roadside buildings. Clay and timber, and masonry construction techniques are anticipated and the sequence is likely to span the entire Roman period. Medieval and later ground surfaces were likely to have been removed across most of the site by clearance work in the 1950s and during construction of the basements and foundations of the existing buildings. Nevertheless fragmentary cut features relating to significant medieval buildings could have survived. The site was the location of the birthplace of St Thomas Becket, the church of St Thomas of Acre and associated convent buildings, and the pre and post-Great Fire Mercers' Hall. The site of the Mercers' Hall was made a SAM in 1952 but the historic masonry was cleared in 1954 following the issuing of dangerous structures notices. The site was de-scheduled in 1999. All of the buildings on the site had single basements. The level of disturbance was greatest in Becket House, where a general level of truncation of 10.54m OD had been proved through evaluation. In addition, approximately 50% of the area of Becket House was occupied by foundations, which were thought to have truncated all archaeological deposits. The basement level in Mercers' Hall Offices and Dauntsey House was higher, at approximately 12.30m OD, with a minimum general level of truncation at 12.10m OD. The basement floor levels in 4 and 5 Frederick's Place were higher again at approximately 12.60m OD. The proposed development will involve the retention of most of the existing slab in Becket House. There would be a need to reduce the ground level for a new plant room, lifts and new foundations. Apart from these areas of groundworks, archaeological deposits would be preserved in situ. A double basement was proposed for the area of the existing Mercers' Hall Offices, Dauntsey House and 5 Frederick's Place. This would result in the removal of all surviving archaeological deposits. No groundworks were proposed for 4 Frederick's Place. [Au(abr)] |
| Author: |
D Lakin
|
| Publisher: |
MOLA (Museum of London Archaeology)
|
| Year of Publication: |
2001
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| Locations: |
| Location - Auto Detected: |
Becket House |
| Location - Auto Detected: |
Mercers Hall |
| Location - Auto Detected: |
Mercers Hall Offices Dauntsey House |
|
| Subjects / Periods: |
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ROMAN
(Historic England Periods)
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MEDIEVAL
(Historic England Periods)
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MEDIEVAL
(Historic England Periods)
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|
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ROMAN
(Historic England Periods)
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|
| 1954 (Auto Detected Temporal) |
|
| Note: |
Date Of Issue From:
2001
Date Of Coverage From:
01
Date Of Coverage To:
01
Editorial Expansion:
Site name: MERCERS' HALL
Study area:
Investigation type: Desk-based
District: City of London
Monument:
Ngr: TQ32538117
Parish:
Postcode: EC2R8DD
|
| Source: |
BIAB
(Archaeological Investigations Project (AIP))
|
| Created Date: |
19 Jan 2009 |
