Researchers Just Found Hundreds of Medieval Objects in a Centuries-Old Cesspit Discovered Beneath the Courtauld Gallery
Archaeologists undertaking preliminary excavations beneath the
Courtauld Gallery at the Somerset House in London have discovered a centuries-old cesspit filled with
a trove of medieval artifacts—and the haul is nothing to sniff
at.
The 15-foot pit has yielded around 100 objects dating to
the 14th and 15th centuries, including ceramic drinking vessels,
forks and other utensils, a ring, a pendant, and a belt buckle. The
items will be displayed at the Courtauld when a planned renovation
and expansion of the museum is completed.
Researchers also discovered that the pit has been put to varying
uses throughout its history. By some point in the 17th century, it
was remodeled as a cellar, after which a latrine was added.
Researchers also noted a curious irony here: the pit is roughly
where the Courtauld Gallery’s new restrooms will be
installed.
Also discovered were “Penn” floor tiles, which were
typically used to decorate palaces and monasteries.
The excavation work, which is being done by researchers
from the Museum of London Archaeology, sheds new light on
the Chester Inn, a 15th-century residence that once existed on
the site.
Anthonis van den Wyngaerde’s drawing of
the Strand around 1543. Courtesy of the Oxford University Ashmolean
Museum.
As a sort of “millionaire’s row,” this area of the Strand was
once one of the toniest in England, linking Westminster Palace to
the City of London. But aside from one drawing of the area from
1543 by Anthonis van den Wyngaerde, which is considered
somewhat inaccurate, there are few existing records of the area
from the late medieval era.
The cesspit discovery will now help historians develop a better
picture of medieval settlements and subsequent buildings in
London.
“It’s unusual to get excited about a cesspit,” noted Simon
Thurley, the former chief executive of the English Heritage
charity. “It’s an incredibly significant find.”
See more images from the excavation below.
Archaeologists working in the cesspit
under the Courtauld Gallery. © MOLA.
A bone-handled conserving fork
discovered in the cesspit. © MOLA.
A ring discovered in the cesspit. ©
MOLA.
A “Penn” floor tile dating to the 14th
century. © MOLA.
An iron spur discovered in the cesspit.
© MOLA.
Pottery discovered in the cesspit. ©
MOLA.
The post Researchers Just Found Hundreds of Medieval Objects
in a Centuries-Old Cesspit Discovered Beneath the Courtauld
Gallery appeared first on artnet News.
Read more https://news.artnet.com/art-world/treasures-discovered-cesspit-courtauld-gallery-1763727
Further reading
Leave a comment