Built Heritage 

Oxford Archaeology recently competed the latest stage of a series of investigations into 4-5 Tower Green in the Inner Ward at the Tower of London on behalf of Historic Royal Palaces. 

This is a structure of exceptional heritage significance which provided accommodation for Yeoman Warders and other staff from its original construction in the 17th century until the mid-1990s. The first phase of recording at the site came shortly after the last warder vacated in about 1995, but the building was then mothballed for over 20 years and it is only more recently that Oxford Archaeology has continued its investigation with further recording during extensive conservation works.

Although in poor condition prior to the conservation, the building provides a good example of a high-status 17th-century London house (or pair of houses) which retains a wealth of historic decorative detail. Our understanding of the building has been considerably enhanced by a series of other investigations alongside the buildings archaeology, including dendrochronology, scientific analysis of paint and plaster, extensive historical research and specialist analysis of fixtures and fittings. Remarkably, the historical research has allowed the collation of a near-complete list of occupiers of 4-5 Tower Green dating back to the late 17th century.

In addition, Oxford Archaeology has undertaken below-ground archaeological works during excavations for structural remedial works.