ROMAN RELICS

Hokitika Guardian, 18 April 1933, Page 2

ROMAN RELICS

DISCOVERY MADE IN LONDON

POTTERY AND FAMILY ALTAR

During recent excavations on the site of the new head offices of the Alliance Assurance Company in Bartholomew {Lane, London, aj Roman altar and several pieces of pottery were discovered some 30ft down in the blue clay. The finds have been examined by experts, and the pottery which was broken into several pieces, has been repaired. The whole now form an interesting collection. The stone altar, which is being presented to the Guildhall Museum, dates from the first or second century. It was presumably a family altar. It is in excellent condition, stands about 2ft Gin high,, and is approximately 9in square at the top, with a slightly larger base. t The pottery was found in the same strata, and, in addition to several Roman specimens of the first century or so, there were two pieces of medieval make. Another find was a mammoth’s tooth, which is stated by Guildhall experts to be a very fine specimen. Lower in the clay was an ammonite. There are! three pieces of Bolgic pottery, two of which hear the names of the makers. The third was probably marked in a similar way, but the centrepiece is missing. The site of the company’s new offices was formerly occupied by the London Auction Mart.