2-982-558 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

A Roman Coffin, recently discovered at Shadwell, 1858. A 'curious discovery' made by workmen digging at Shadwell Basin on the River Thames in London: '...they came to a ponderous leaden coffin, situated at a depth of about ten feet from the surface...It was carefully removed to the office of Mr. Andrews, the company's resident engineer, and a few bones which it was found to contain were placed in a box and interred without delay...it will be perceived [from the sketch] that the ring-and-bead ornament and escallop-shells are present...The design on the lid...is very pleasing. The bead-and-ring ornament bordered the whole in the first instance; and then, by diagonal lines, formed equally-sized, lozenge-shaped compartments, which were occupied by figures of escallop-shells, in low relief. The foot of the coffin is ornamented with two escallop-shells placed side by side. The head...is wanting [ie missing]; and the sides and interior of the coffin are without ornament of any kind...It is to be hoped that this rare object may be secured for the depository where it will find the safest and best guardianship - the British Museum'. From "Illustrated London News", 1858.