Discoveries

The objects displayed here come from across Southwark and represent the fascinating range of lives and stories that history and archaeology can bring to life. Many of them relate to the everyday lives of Londoners, but can also tell us something about the wider world they lived in. Some items are evidence of leisure or play, others of fait or belief, and many speak of homes and domestic activities. Together they offer glimpses into an evolving picture of the past, one which is being added to by the archaeological investigations at The Liberty today.

1st Century Harness Pendant with some signs of the original design.

1st Century Harness Pendant

This harness pendant is decorated with leaves and acorns and was once suspended from the horse of a Roman cavalry soldier. The Thames crossing at London Bridge was an important part of the Roman road network, established by the military.

a dice made out of bone with the evident markings for 4, 6, and 5.

1st Century Bone Dice

Six-sided dice came to Britain with the Romans. Finds from Southwark demonstrate the presence of gaming and gambling in Roman Southwark. Found here on the site.

1st and 2nd century strap fitting metal plate - looks similar to a belt buckle.

1st/2nd Century Strap Fitting

The style of this object indicates that it is Roman military equipment, and that it was probably attached to one of the leather straps that joined together the pieces of plate armour worn by infantry soldiers.

A partially reconstructed pot with clearly defined fragments.

2nd Century Pot Fragment

This pot, decorated with stylised vines and grapes, was made in modern-ay Cambridgeshire. Found at Borough High Street.

A 14th century pilgrims badge shaped like two outstretched hands.

14th/15th Century Pilgrims Badge

Medieval pilgrims often purchased cheap badges at the shrine of the martyred 12th century saint, St. Thomas Becket — this one depicts Becket’s gloves. The Tabard Inn in Southwark, now demolished, was the starting point of the famous pilgrimage to Canterbury.

16th century lead cloth seals.

16th/17th Century Lead Cloth Seals

Lead cloth seals were attached to fabric as an indicator of its origin, to show London’s status as a major port for the international textile trade. Found at Tanner Street, Southwark.

A 17th century bowl with Chinese-inspired blue and white designs.

17th Century Ceramic Bowl

Ceramic bowl with Chinese-inspired blue and white design, made in Southwark or Lambeth.

17th century spoons with long handles, similar to a modern day ladle.

17th/18th Century Spoons

Metal kitchen utensils, including spoons and a perforated skimmer used to remove pieces of food from cooking pots. Found at Tanner Street, Southwark.

17th Century Ceramic Dish

Ceramic dish with an image of King Charles II (reigned 1666–1685), made in Southwark or Lambeth.

A pewter tavern mug, used to drink beer, is inscribed ‘William Hearn, the Ship & Ball Tavern, Five Foot Lane’

18th Century Pewter Tavern Mug

This pewter tavern mug, used to drink beer, is inscribed ‘William Hearn, the Ship & Ball Tavern, Five Foot Lane’ (modern Tanner Street). Found at Tanner Street, Southwark.

Ceramic fragment decorated with a face moulded in relief.

18th Century Ceramic Fragment

Ceramic fragment decorated with a face moulded in relief. Probably part of a decorative plant pot, made in Southwark or Lambeth.