April 28, 2007
A massive archaeological dig has started today on the site of the 2012 Olympics. And experts hope they may uncover two water mills believed to have been built on the site by the Knights Templar in the 12th century.
'This is an opportunity to chart and record the unique history of an area back to the first Londoners,' said David Higgins, the Chief Executive of the Olympic Delivery Authority. Teams of archaeologists will spend weeks examining the Lea Valley for its hidden past and any interesting remains will be recorded or removed to the Museum of London.
One of the possible finds could be the two 12th century mills believed to have been built by the Knights Templars, the sect which appeared in Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code, who were charged with protecting the Holy Grail.
They will also be examining Hennikers Ditch, a mediaeval waterway which follows the route of the ancient River Leyton and the Channelsea River, supposedly dug by King Alfred in the 9th century to divert Viking invaders.
'This investigation will tell the story of the changing landscape and exactly how human intervention has constantly influenced the environment,' said Kieron Tyler, senior archaeologist at the Museum at London.
'It is a unique opportunity to do it on such a huge scale.'