Secrets of ancient London revealed as more than 14,000 Roman artefacts unearthed

The finds were uncovered at the site of a 3rd century Roman temple

The collection was discovered during the construction of Bloomberg's European headquarters between 2012 and 2014 (MOLA/Bloomberg Philanthropies /PA Wire)

A collection of more than 14,000 Roman artefacts found during building work has been donated to the London Museum.

The ancient artefacts were discovered by archaeologists at the site of a 3rd century AD temple to the Roman god Mithras, in the modern-day City of London, during the construction of Bloomberg’s European headquarters between 2012 and 2014.

The collection includes Britain’s largest collection of Roman tablets and the first written reference to London.

“These remarkable artefacts offer a unique window into the past, connecting us directly to the voices of its ancient inhabitants,” Michael R Bloomberg, founder of Bloomberg LP and Bloomberg Philanthropies, said.

The donation comes alongside £20 million from Bloomberg Philanthropies, the museum’s largest private contribution to date, to support the creation of new premises which are set to open in 2026.

The new museum will be housed within the historic Smithfield market buildings in central London and is expected to draw over two million visitors annually.

The Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan, said the new museum will be a “significant addition” to the capital.

A Roman wooden writing tablet with stylus was found (Museum of London/PA)

“The generous donation of these wonderful Roman artefacts will be a great addition to the London Museum’s collections and the investment provides a major boost to what is one of the biggest cultural projects in Europe,” he said.

“Bloomberg has been a huge cultural champion for London, and this is a great example of public and private sectors working together to help realise bold plans for our capital’s future.

“The London Museum will be a significant addition to our capital, transforming the Smithfield area and using the power of culture to drive economic improvement, as we build a better London for everyone.”

A small Roman pottery vessel with foliage and face (Museum of London/PA)

Sharon Ament, director of the London Museum, said the donation would create a “lasting legacy for London”.

She went on: “We are hugely ambitious for this project – from setting high standards in sustainability, to creating new apprenticeships for young people; moving the dial on digital opportunities to involving a record number of Londoners in the making of the museum.

“This will be a place truly of and for the city that we hope Londoners will be proud of.”

The museum will be housed within the historic Smithfield market buildings in central London (Secci Smith/Museum of London/PA)

Chris Hayward, chairman of the City of London Corporation’s policy and resources committee, said: “This generous donation is a significant investment in both preserving the rich history of the City of London and ensuring the swift transformation of the new London Museum.

“It will also add to the range of first class exhibits the new London Museum will offer visitors, cementing it as a cultural and economic cornerstone of Destination City.”