Remains found in London may be linked to ‘Black Death’

A number of skeletons have been dug-up as Crossrail work was carried out in London

13:03 15 March 2013

Workers have discovered a number of skeletons underground in the Farringdon area of London while carrying out work for the London Crossrail project.Now, it is thought the remains may belong to those who died as a result of the ‘Black Death’.

Reportedly 13 skeletons have been found beneath a road in the busy London region, and now tests will be carried out on the remains.

Archaeologist Jay Carver, from Crossrail, said there are many questions which they hope to find answers to.

He said: “We will be undertaking scientific tests on the skeletons over the coming months to establish their cause of death, whether they were plague victims from the 14th century or later residents, how old they were and perhaps evidence of who they were.

“However, at this early stage... all points towards this being part of the 14th century emergency burial ground.”

It is thought by some that there could possibly be more remains found, but this is not certain.

It is believed the tests are expected to look into whether the bacteria that caused the ‘Black Death’ is linked to the plague. It is understood there is to be no cause for concern as to whether the plague could affect today’s society as a result of the find.

The ‘Black Death’, which occurred in the 14th century, affected millions of people around the world. It led to the death of at least 75million people; in particular, Europe was hit badly by the virus.