London City Wall - Bastion 14

Ancient Foundations and Roman Origins

Bastion 14 forms part of the historic London City Wall, originally constructed by the Romans around AD 200 to protect Londinium, the strategically vital Roman port town. The Roman wall was a major defensive project, built to safeguard the city from northern tribes and invaders. Bastion 14 rests directly on these Roman foundations, demonstrating the continuity of London's defensive architecture from antiquity through the medieval period.

Medieval Fortification and Adaptation

During the medieval era, the original Roman wall was reinforced with bastions like Bastion 14 to strengthen the city’s defenses. These bastions were built against the existing Roman wall, with Bastion 14 dated to the 13th century based on archaeological finds such as pottery. Though their military use was relatively short-lived, the bastions played a crucial role during periods of invasion threats, including the panic in 1386 when fears of a French invasion led to the mustering of garrisons along the wall.

Transformation Through the Centuries

By the 19th century, Bastion 14 had been incorporated into surrounding buildings and was largely hidden from view. Its interior was lined with brickwork when it was used as part of a warehouse. The structure survived bombing during World War II, which revealed much of the bastion’s medieval masonry. Conservation efforts since then have included removing decayed mortar, rebedding stonework with lime mortar, and reinforcing the masonry with stainless steel supports to preserve the bastion as a Scheduled Monument.

Archaeological Significance and Conservation

The bastion was excavated in 1949 by archaeologists who confirmed its medieval origins and connection to the Roman wall beneath. Conservation work has carefully preserved its stone and brick fabric, including the medieval arrow slits and eroded stonework. Temporary fencing protects the site’s archaeology, with plans for permanent fencing to safeguard this rare surviving fragment of London’s historic defenses.

Setting and Visitor Experience

Situated in the Barbican area, Bastion 14 offers a tangible link to London’s layered past amidst a modern urban environment. The site is outdoors and can be viewed from nearby walkways, providing insight into the city’s evolution from Roman times through medieval fortification and industrial use. Visitors are encouraged to respect the monument and avoid climbing on the structure to help preserve its fragile fabric.

Legacy of London’s City Walls

Bastion 14 is one of several surviving bastions along the line of the London City Wall, which once enclosed the medieval city with gates, towers, and water-gates. These fortifications reflect the city’s strategic importance and its adaptation to changing military and urban needs over centuries. Today, Bastion 14 stands as a historical landmark that connects Londoners and visitors alike to the city’s ancient and medieval heritage.