The cellars of the barbershop with the visible foundations of the Roman basilica
The three-story basilica built by the Romans in Londinium, distant from the capital of the Empire, was the largest structure of this type located north of the Alps. Constructed in 70 CE, enlarged in the years 90-120, it was the seat of the then city authorities, administration, treasury, temples and courts.
One of the walls was directly adjacent to the London Forum, where numerous shops and trade stands were located. The only surviving fragment – probably forming the basis of the arc (arcade) – was discovered in the second half of the 19th century during the construction of Leadenhall Market (a place is known more widely from shooting scenes for Harry Potter films). Today, this patch is hidden 6 meters underground in the hairdresser’s premises. Going down the steep stairs we get to the glass, behind which is this small fragment. A model of the old building with the adjacent forum can be viewed in the Museum of London.
