Ruth whyte archaeology

The discovery of a dozen skeletons by workmen could belong to Lancastrian soldiers executed after one of the War of the Roses bloodiest battles. The grisly find of 12 skeletons was made as electricity cables were laid on Tadcaster Road , near the Knavesmire in York. The area was where criminals convicted in York were executed up until — including highwayman Dick Turpin — but archaeologists believe the bodies could belong to Lancastrian soldiers, possibly captured after the Battle of Towton.

Radiocarbon dating on two of the skeletons suggests they died around the s. The bones were discovered in November by Northern Powergrid and its contractor Interserve, who were working on replacing more than 6,km of underground electricity cables. York is one of only five designated UK areas of archaeological importance, which means any work disturbing the ground must be overseen, so the companies worked in conjunction with the City of York Council and York Archaeological Trust on the infrastructure project.

A team of archaeologists remained present on site at all times and, when workmen discovered the first bones, they were called over to examine the find and begin the process of carefully uncovering the skeletons.

The skeletons were identified as male and mostly aged between 25 and 40 at the time of their death. Its ruins were finally demolished in the s when it was lost under later building. Excavations in found that most of the foundations were missing.

More substantial foundations of a chantry chapel extension have now been uncovered, and also remains of what must have been a very fine, and hitherto unknown, Norman building nearby. Around burials, both shroud and coffin types, have been excavated. There are distinct clusters of burials, suggesting some areas were restricted to family plots. Badge finds suggest that part of the site may have been used as a Civil War muster ground in the s. Two have evidence of significant bone fractures which archaeologists said could be evidence of fighting, perhaps associated with professional soldiers.

Ruth Whyte, osteo-archaeologist for York Archaeological Trust said: "We knew this was a fascinating find as, unlike 15th century Christian burial practice, the skeletons were all together and weren't facing east-west. Were these individuals criminals or could they have been Lancastrian soldiers? Remains 'may be Roman gladiators'. Northern Powergrid. York Archaeology Trust. City of York Council.