Unearth the secrets of Tower Beach

Discover the secrets of the Tower of London Foreshore, also known as Tower Beach, with environmental charity Thames21, when the Tower of London celebrates National Archaeology Weekend by opening the beach to the public for one weekend only on Saturday July 15 and Sunday 16.

Visitors will have a rare chance to explore the beach in front of this World Heritage Site in the company of experts from the City of London Archaeology Society and Oxford Archaeology Unit. Clay pipes, animal bones and fragments of pottery are just some of the artifacts that litter the foreshore, and previous finds have included a medieval knife, a spur and Roman glass.

Environmental charity Thames21 will be on the foreshore cleaning up more modern litter (like bottles, cans and plastic) and will provide equipment to anyone who wants to lend a hand. Safe access to Tower Beach will be facilitated by Thames21 at low tide between 11am - 1pm on Saturday 15 July and 12pm - 2pm on Sunday 16 July.

The weekend is packed with free activities on the Wharf and Tower Beach including: displays and reconstructions from the City of London Archaeological Society, guided walks and talks by the Oxford Archaeological Unit and Environment Agency, stone masonry, activities from the Royal Armories and the Port of London Authority, and a chance to have a go at wood carving. British Sign Language tour for deaf visitors tbc. ENDS

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For press enquiries and photographs contact Leigh on 020 7213 0166 / 07875 250 284

Notes to Editor

1. Thames21 is an environmental charity working with communities to create clean, safe and sustainable waterside environments on Greater London's rivers, tributaries and canals. A team of 16 staff delivers a wide range of projects throughout Greater London with all sections of the community including: clean ups; habitat enhancements; waterside art installations; education work.

2. All activities on the Wharf and foreshore are free of charge. However, normal entrance fees to the main part of the Tower do apply. Adults: £14.50, children £9.50 (under 5s free), family (2 adults and 3 children) £42.00.

3. The Beach will be open to the public at low tide only from 10 to 12 on Saturday and from 10 to 1230 on Sunday.