7912 London Urban Archaeological Database,Westminster and Whitehall

Tender description

Westminster and Whitehall have been at the centre of English government for a thousand years. Built on what was then an island at the confluence of the Thames and the Tyburn stream, Westminster Abbey was chosen by Edward the Confessor as the site for his royal palace. Taken on by the Norman kings the expanding abbey, palace and town of Westminster reclaimed land from the surrounding marsh. In the 16th century Henry VIII built his new palace of Whitehall just to the north of the abbey and old palace. The internationally outstanding historical, architectural and artistic importance of Westminster and Whitehall is universally recognised. In contrast its archaeological interest has not always been so well appreciated. Current major public development proposals pose a significant threat to the archaeological resource. This project aims to raise awareness of Westminster's archaeology by providing a high quality evidence base to inform development proposals and decisions. By combining the results of many individually small-scale and piece-meal investigations the Westminster Urban Archaeological Database will enable archaeology to contribute more towards understanding and valuing this unique place.