What London Leaves Behind: Archaeology of a City

Our panel of archaeologists, historians and curators will discuss what we can learn from the things left behind in London.

About the event

The history of London dates back thousands of years. Romans, Vikings, Tudors and Victorians have all called the city home. Over this time, it has withstood invasions, epidemics, great fires, and bombs.

What can we learn about London’s history from the things that have been left behind? What can a clay pipe found on the Thames foreshore reveal about the people who lived here? What does the discovery of a Chinese lion statue tell us about London’s place in the wider world? And what do the city’s monuments and statues divulge about the stories we choose to remember?

Additional information

This event is eligible for our 20% ticket bundle discount.

Book tickets to three or more different events across the festival and you can save 20%. Tickets must be purchased in the same transaction and the discount will automatically be applied within the basket.

About the speakers

Jenny Draper has worked in museums and the heritage sector and now leads walking tours across London as a Blue Badge-certified guide. She also provides entertaining and fascinating historical titbits through her social media channels – where she has gathered over half a million followers – with a particular focus on the weird and wonderful.

Kate Sumnall is a curator at London Museum Docklands and worked on the exhibition ‘Secrets of the Thames’.

Eleanor Janega is a medieval historian. She is the author of ‘The Middle Ages: A Graphic History’ and the popular blog ‘Going Medieval’. Eleanor is also the co-host of the hit podcast ‘Gone Medieval’, which generates close to a million downloads per month. She has hosted and co-created several series on HistoryHit TV, and appears regularly on television and podcasts across the world.