Aspects of Medieval and Later Southwark Archaeological Excavations (1991-8) for the London Underground Limited Jubilee Line Extension Project - MoLAS Monograph

This short monograph presents evidence related to medieval and later Southwark uncovered at London Bridge Station during construction of the Jubilee Line Extension. Early medieval Southwark was at risk from flooding, and evidence of the environment, land reclamation, embankments and drainage ditches has been found. The Domesday Book provides an early record of the settlement, and suggests that a Monesterium stood on the site of the present-day Southwark Cathedral. It was occupied by the Priory of St Mary Overie in the medieval period, when the bishops of Winchester had a palace in its grounds. St Thomas's Hospital was founded as part of the priory in 1106, and the settlement expanded around the bridgehead and Borough High Street. The hospital was rebuilt in the 13th century on the site of London Bridge Station to the east, where structural remains and associated burials were recorded. By the 16th century Borough High Street was known as 'Long Southwark' and scattered structural remains of the inns, alehouses and tenements which flanked it are described. Knight also discusses evidence for the Prior of Lewe's townhouse and Southwark's increasingly industrial character as trades relocated from the City of London. The volume includes a gazetteer of the 16 areas investigated.