City of London Archaeological Society

We are celebrating our 60th anniversary in 2026

In 2026, archaeological excavations in the City are conducted solely by teams of professional archaeologists employed by organisations such as MOLA, and funded by the developers of the sites they are recording. Way back in the 1960’s, it was so very, very different. The pace of rebuilding in the City was rapidly increasing and, as a direct consequence, much of its archaeological heritage was being destroyed unseen. This was because the Guildhall Museum employed just one (repeat just one) Excavation Assistant to monitor all those works, an impossible task, since there was no additional funding. However, some support was provided by a dedicated voluntary excavation team, which in 1964 became the City of London Excavation Group. This active organisation targeted redevelopment sites where archaeological features were being destroyed by the digging of deep foundations and new basements. Although they were often only able to work at weekends when the building contractors were off-site, they nevertheless were able to record some historic features before their destruction. That active group proved their worth, and as the need increased and their numbers swelled, they transformed into the City of London Archaeological Society in 1966.

The COLAS 60+ project is now being launched to celebrate the crucial work that volunteers made in saving the City’s past. A key element of the project will be the Roll of Honour, the compilation of the names of all those who worked on the sites or processed the associated finds.

• Initially, we are launching the scheme by remembering the BAYNARD’S CASTLE excavations in 1972. • Did you work there (BC72), or do you remember the names of those who did? If so WE NEED TO KNOW!!

Any recollections, photos, diary entries, anecdotes etc. are also gratefully received!

The City of London Archaeological Society (COLAS) was founded in 1966 to encourage an active appreciation of archaeology, particularly within the City of London and its environs. Membership is open to anyone with an interest in the archaeology and history of London. COLAS is active with monthly lectures and visits for its members, and participates in local archaeology events. Our members continue to contribute to the study of the City and its environs through research and fieldwork with Thames Discovery Programme, recording features including eroding causeways, and abandoned barge beds, anchors and rudders.
COLAS is a Registered Charity supported entirely by the work of its volunteers.

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COLAS lecture recordings

Lord Elgin and the Parthenon Sculptures at the British Museum
When Lord Elgin arrived in the Ottoman Empire as British ambassador, his main concern was to ensure good relations with the Turks against their mutual enemy, the French. He could not have realised that his name would be forever associated with some of the masterpieces from the Ancient World. Elgin originally intended the Parthenon sculptures should adorn his own home but the experience of bringing them to Britain ruined his health, his marriage and his bank balance. The sculptures he brought back to Britain used to be called the Elgin Marbles and have been a favourite of visitors to the museum for over 200 years. Join Dr William Sterling to learn more.
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