Overview

In 1999 and 2007 respectively, the central courtyard and the northwest corner of the British Museum estate were redeveloped in order to create two iconic additions to the institution: the Great Court and the World Conservation and Exhibitions Centre. The execution of these projects provided the opportunity to investigate the archaeology and history of the Bloomsbury area and the museum itself through excavation and archival research. This volume presents the results of the ensuing studies undertaken by Pre-Construct Archaeology and in so doing details the evolution of this area of London from the Roman period into modern times. The book charts the impact that the growth of the Museum and its collection has had on the surrounding area of Bloomsbury, as well as focusing on two of the key finds of the excavation: the discovery of the hitherto elusive Civil War defences of London and the intriguing assemblage of dead cows recovered from an early 18th-century collection of graves buried underneath the site. The book presents an overview of the wider urban landscape in which the British Museum is situated and discusses multiple interconnected themes from urban development and housing to domestic material culture and urban garden design. The result is a fascinating study of one of the most iconic areas of London and provides a fresh insight into the history of the British Museum.

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9780861592104

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Reviews

...the birth and growth of the museum up to the present day is well told and well illustrated with plans of different phases of construction. -- (10/01/2017)

...the birth and growth of the museum up to the present day is well told and well illustrated with plans of different phases of construction. -- (10/1/2017 12:00:00 AM)

Author Information

Rebecca Haslam’s career began in 1995 at Woodhall Moated Manor Trust, an experience that sparked a lifelong interest in archaeology. After studying at UCL, she joined Pre-Construct Archaeology in 2001, becoming a Senior Archaeologist soon afterwards. She has directed many large scale urban projects, specialising in the excavation and publication of post-medieval material. Victoria Ridgeway is the editor and manager of Pre-Construct Archaeology’s monograph series. Her main research interests are Roman London, particularly its ritual and landscape setting. Her 30 years’ archaeological experience have involved collaboration in the excavation and publication of complex urban sites of all periods across Greater London, ranging from the prehistoric period to 19th-century developments at King’s Cross.

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