MoLAS Monograph - 22: The Royal Palace, Abbey and Town of Westminster on Thorney Island
Archaeological Excavations (1991-8) for the London Underground Limited Jubilee Line Extension Project
- 224pages
- 8 heures de lecture
The Palace and Abbey of Westminster are iconic symbols of English history, with origins dating back over 7000 years on an island surrounded by the Rivers Thames and Tyburn. Initially one of many royal residences, the palace became the main home of English monarchs until a fire during Henry VIII's reign. The former royal chapel of St Stephen evolved into the House of Commons, reflecting the growing power of Parliament in the mid-17th century. The abbey served as a royal church, hosting the coronations of all English monarchs since Edward the Confessor and serving as a mausoleum for many royal houses. This book presents the archaeological findings from the Jubilee Line Extension Project in the 1990s, along with other investigations around the Palace of Westminster. It explores the settlement's origins on Thorney Island, examining evidence from prehistoric, Roman, and Saxon periods, and traces the palace's development up to the 1834 fire. Key aspects include insights into the environmental conditions surrounding the island and the incorporation of antiquarian observations, providing a comprehensive synthesis of current knowledge.
