Archaeology

Westminster’s archaeological heritage provides important evidence of the city’s past. Investigation has revealed evidence of prehistoric, Roman, Saxon medieval and post medieval archaeology.

There may be much more which is yet undisturbed.

There are three scheduled ancient monuments in Westminster protected under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979.

These are:

• Chapter House and Pyx Chamber next to the Cloisters, Westminster Abbey
• the Jewel Tower
• the subterranean commercial ice well, at Park Crescent West, W1

Westminster also has a number of areas of archaeological priority where there is known archaeological interest or may be potential for new discoveries. These were reviewed by the Greater London Archaeological Advisory Service (GLASS) in 2017. Detail of the extended areas they identified which have archaeological potential in Westminster can be found at Historic England. These are also included within the City Plan 2019-2040. You can use our interactive policies map to check if you are in a priority area.

Obtaining advice from GLASS, and when we consult them

When developing in these areas, you should seek professional archaeological advice. Any archaeological evaluation and investigation should be undertaken by an IFA registered Archaeological Organisation or a suitably qualified archaeological organisation.

Our validation checklists set out when an archaeological assessment may be required with your planning application.