Rare treasures unearthed at Tower of London moat shed new light on the “formidable fortress”

The discoveries have shed light on the complex and varied history of the 14,000 square meter moat, which has previously been used as a medieval orchard

A First World War training round and a 15th century French jetton are among treasures to have been discovered by excavators at the Tower of London.

Also found were a late medieval or Tudor buckle, likely to have come from a dagger belt, as well as a 17th-century half penny trade token, which could have been made at the tower’s Royal Mint.

The discoveries have shed light on the complex and varied history of the 14,000 square meter moat, which has previously been used as a medieval orchard, a grazing ground for Victorian livestock and allotments during the Second World War.

A 13th-century moat at the historic site is being transformed into a wildflower meadow for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

This spring, 20 million seeds will be planted in the moat as part of the Superbloom project to celebrate the 70-year reign of Her Majesty.

Read more: The Telegraph