Unearthed, a great Tudor local

Archaeologists have discovered what they believe to be one of London's oldest pubs.

The 16th century tavern, The Three Tuns, was unearthed next to Holborn Viaduct, with parts in such good condition that it is possible to stand on the remains of the Tudor street and look through its window.

David Saxby, a senior archaeologist at the Museum of London, uncovered a basement bar room, a serving hatch and an inscription "Lotte" - possibly as part of the name Charlotte - at the foot of the staircase.

Other treasures include a bottle's glass medallion, which has the pub's logo of three barrels, and the words "at the 3 Tuns at Holborne Bridge". Water from the river Fleet would have been channelled into a brick tank for brewing.

The pub, which was buried in the late 19th century when the viaduct was built, was rebuilt several times, according to the team, most clearly after the Great Fire in 1666.