Archaeologists uncover Second World War past of Olympic Park

The joint team from the Museum of London Archaeology Service and Pre-Construct Archaeology (MoLAS-PCA) have discovered second world war helmets and other items of archaeological interest while uncovering a battery of gun emplacements in the north-east of the 500-acre site.

Researchers will trace the history of the helmet and soldiers who operated the defenses, along with the identity of a distinctive metal plate or plaque also dug out of the emplacement.

The finds will go on to form part of the Museum of London's collection and the archaeological investigations, which are built into the programme of work clearing the site ahead of construction.

Museum of London Senior Archaeologist Kieron Tyler said:

"These finds offer a unique opportunity to understand how east London was part of the City's defensive network during World War Two, protecting the centre of London and the network of waterways to its east.

"The emplacements were part of a complex that included pillboxes and stores - a cordite store has also been uncovered. Archaeology is often thought of as studying the distant past, but these finds will help us establish a fuller picture of how east London has changed through time."

Olympic Delivery Authority Chief Executive David Higgins said:

"This archaeological investigation is a real opportunity to tell the fascinating story this part of east London. From the home of the first Londoner, to crucial military defenses and now the Olympic Games with its legacy of world-class venues, a new park and new communities, it is a story of change and transformation."

The four gun emplacements, uncovered on the area that will become a Velopark for the 2012 Games and in legacy, were constructed in 1941 and furnished with 4.5 inch guns. They were updated in 1944 with bigger guns, probably in response to the threat from flying bombs (the doodle bugs), and formed part of London's IAZ - the Inner Artillery Zone.

At a later stage of their research the Museum of London will be asking the public to help identify a painted metal plate discovered in the emplacement that archaeologists think could be a plaque of some kind.

Before building begins next year the Olympic Delivery Authority has invited Museum of London archaeologists to look for evidence of the original prehistoric Londoners right through to Roman, Viking, medieval and relatively recent industrial and military activities on the east London site.

Archaeologists are also charting the topography of the site to build a picture of how the land and waterways have developed and how climate change has affected the area.

The considerable archaeological programme will focus on the sites of the permanent Olympic Park venues and infrastructure to ensure the site is investigated, cleared and ready for construction to start in Summer 2008, one of the ODA's 'Milestones to Beijing' set out earlier this month.

The archaeological research shows that nothing of national importance requiring preservation on site is expected to be found.

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