Archaeology and scheduled ancient monuments

The City Corporation's Archaeology and Development Guidance Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) deals with all stages of the planning process, including pre-application advice, archaeological assessment, archaeological evaluation, investigation, mitigation and recording, post excavation assessment, publication and archiving. 

The almost continuous occupation of the City through the Roman, Saxon and medieval periods to the present day has led to the build-up of a complex and deep archaeological layer surviving below building basements, streets and open spaces as well as visible monuments such as the Roman and medieval City wall.

Surviving archaeological remains are often the only source of information about the City's past inhabitants and their lives. They are important evidence of the City's long role as a commercial trading centre and port, revealing information about past land uses, society and social and economic change and make a significant contribution to the richness and wealth of the City's townscape.

The London Archaeological Archive and Research Centre (LAARC) holds artefacts, records and drawings from archaeological excavations in the City and London.

Go to Historic England for more information about scheduled ancient monuments.