The Crossrail project is the largest infrastructure project in Europe and has led to one of the biggest ever archaeological digs in the UK. Since work started in 2009, a huge amount of history has been unearthed along the 73-mile route spanning from east to west (here’s a map of the Elizabeth line).
Amongst finds were artefacts from the Stone Age, the Roman era, the Great Plague, etc. Some of the most notable relics include a Tudor bowling ball, a Roman medallion issued to mark the new year celebrations in AD245, medieval ice skates made from animal bone, and lots of human remains. They also found over 13,000 jam jars and pickle pots beneath an old Crosse and Blackwell factory, where they used to make Branston Pickle.
In a brand new exhibition at the Museum of London Docklands, Tunnel: The Archaeology of Crossrail, 500 of the most interesting objects found during the digs are on display for the public to peruse. The exhibition opened last Friday (10th) and will remain open to the public until 3 September.
The exhibition is free and you’ll find it at No.1 Warehouse, West India Quay, Canary Wharf, E14 4AL. It’s open daily from 10am — 6pm.
Feature Image: Museum of Docklands London