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A Roman Coffin, recently discovered at Shadwell, 1858. Creator: Unknown
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A Roman Coffin, recently discovered at Shadwell, 1858. Creator: Unknown
A Roman Coffin, recently discovered at Shadwell, 1858. A curious discovery made by workmen digging at Shadwell Basin on the River Thames in London:..they came to a ponderous leaden coffin, situated at a depth of about ten feet from the surface...It was carefully removed to the office of Mr. Andrews, the company's resident engineer, and a few bones which it was found to contain were placed in a box and interred without delay...it will be perceived [from the sketch] that the ring-and-bead ornament and escallop-shells are present...The design on the lid...is very pleasing. The bead-and-ring ornament bordered the whole in the first instance; and then, by diagonal lines, formed equally-sized, lozenge-shaped compartments, which were occupied by figures of escallop-shells, in low relief. The foot of the coffin is ornamented with two escallop-shells placed side by side. The head...is wanting [ie missing]; and the sides and interior of the coffin are without ornament of any kind...It is to be hoped that this rare object may be secured for the depository where it will find the safest and best guardianship - the British Museum'. From "Illustrated London News", 1858
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A Roman Coffin: An Unearthed Treasure from Shadwell, 1858 In the heart of London, along the banks of the River Thames, an unexpected discovery was made during excavation works at Shadwell Basin in 1858. Workmen, in the midst of their tasks, came across a ponderous leaden coffin, buried approximately ten feet beneath the surface. This intriguing find was carefully transported to the office of Mr. Andrews, the resident engineer, where a few bones were extracted and respectfully interred without delay. As depicted in this sketch from the Illustrated London News, the Roman coffin boasted an exquisite design on its lid. The bead-and-ring ornament encircled the entirety of the coffin in the initial stages, forming equally-sized, lozenge-shaped compartments. These compartments were adorned with figures of escallop-shells, intricately carved in low relief. The foot of the coffin was embellished with two escallop-shells arranged side by side. The head of the coffin, unfortunately, was missing. The sides and interior of the coffin were devoid of any decorative ornamentation. The discovery of this rare Roman artifact sparked great interest and excitement. It was hoped that this invaluable object would find a secure and protective home where it would be cherished and preserved for future generations - the British Museum. This curious find offers a glimpse into the rich history of the Roman presence in London and serves as a testament to the enduring allure of archaeological discoveries.
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