In The News

Black Death burial ground unearthed in London

Black Death burial ground unearthed in London

A BURIAL ground, believed to be linked to the time of the Black Death, has been unearthed during work on London’s Crossrail project.

The discovery was made by engineers as they excavated a shaft at Charterhouse Square. So far thirteen remains have been uncovered at the site, but experts believe more people may have been buried there when the Black Death struck in the 14th. Century.

DNA tests are now to be carried in an effort to gather information which may help chart the development and spread of the disease which was responsible for millions of deaths across Europe.

Archaeologists believe the burial ground may date from the very early period of the outbreak as the remains were buried in neat rows. As the death rate increased people were forced to bury the large number of victims in pits.

Jay Carver, who is the project archaeologist for Crossrail, said the discovery could prove to be important.

He said: “This is one of the most significant discoveries. It is quite small in extent but highly significant because of its data and what is represented in the shaft.”

It is understood that once the tests have been carried out on the remains, reinterment will be arranged at a new location.

The Crossrail project, which will provide a high-speed rail link across London, is expected to be opened in 2018.

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