Community project uncovering buried stories at London’s earliest playhouse and taverns

The project builds on excavations at Stepney Way undertaken by ASE between 2015-19, led by Project Officer Stephen White and Project Manager Andy Leonard.

Some of the findings of this recent collaboration have been published as Theatres of resistance: buried stories and Black radicalism at London’s earliest playhouse and taverns, in the July/August edition of British Archaeology.

From the Red Lion to the White Raven...

One of the most significant discoveries at this site was the remains of London's earliest purpose-built playhouse, The Red Lion, which was built around 1567.

In addition to evidence for the Red Lion, archive research conducted by London historian-archaeologist Nick Holder prompted ASE staff to make the connection with a tavern known as the White Raven. This led ASE’s public engagement lead, Sarah Wolferstan, down a new path – exploring fresh possibilities for involving local communities in shaping future engagement strategies rooted in the site’s stories.

…to uncovering untold histories

This latest phase of community engagement began with the involvement of Mercedes Baptiste Halliday of BlackArchaeo, and Alim Kamara of StorieStorie. Mercedes, under the banner of BlackArchaeo, aims to increase the engagement of Black and Brown people in archaeology, heritage, creative industries, ecology and natural spaced. Alim Kamara is a storyteller, trainer and musician whose  parents came to London from Sierra Leone.

The project expanded to include community historians Harry Cumberbatch and Fabian Tompsett, founding members of The Tower Hamlets Afro-Caribbean Mental Health Organisation (THACMHO), and Dorothy Du Boulay who, alongside Harry, is part of the steering group for the borough’s community history project ‘Communities of Liberation’. The team have been working together to unearth the buried stories of Black Londoners.

The article also introduces a new exhibition co-curated by Mercedes Baptiste Halliday, ASE staff and the community historians. It is part of a larger exhibition titled Patterns at the UCL East Culture Lab opening in late June 2025. The Whitechapel exhibition tells the story of the excavation – the people, buildings, and objects – from the past, present and future. It also includes an original spoken piece by Alim Kamara inspired by his involvement in the project. Patterns aims to act as a springboard, to inspire further conversations and collaborations in relation to commemorating the people who met in and around the White Raven, and the presence of people of African descent in Stuart and Georgian London.

Sarah Wolferstan said, "Coordinating the public engagement phase of the Whitechapel Central site has been a fascinating experience. It’s been a privilege to help share the discoveries made at ASE's Stepney Way excavation, and the stories of the artefacts found there, and then shape the response with members of the local community."

"This project has revealed how much archaeology can contribute—not only to the rich cultural landscape of East London, but also to its social fabric. Engaging people with the stories unearthed beneath their feet fosters a deeper connection to place, encourages intergenerational learning, and creates a shared sense of identity."

"The public benefits of this work are far-reaching, helping to build community pride, support education, and ensure that the heritage of the area is accessible and meaningful to all."

Archaeology South-East are currently working on a monograph detailing the results of the excavation, due for publication in 2026.