Medieval burial ground uncovered

ARCHAEOLOGISTS have uncovered around 30 bodies thought to date back to the 13th century while excavating a building site in Ipswich.The site, located on Wolsey Street, is believed to have been a medieval cemetery located alongside a hospital.

ARCHAEOLOGISTS have uncovered around 30 bodies thought to date back to the 13th century while excavating a building site in Ipswich.

The site, located on Wolsey Street, is believed to have been a medieval cemetery located alongside a hospital.

The bones discovered are being sent off to a human bones specialist to try and find out details about the bodies. It is hoped to discover the ages of the people and also whether they suffered from any diseases or malnutrition.

The excavation is being carried out by Suffolk County Council and is being led by Mark Sommers.

Mr Sommers said it is possible that the dead bodies could have been victims of a widespread disease and needed to be disposed of quickly.

He said: "The site of the cemetery seems to have been densely occupied and a lot of the bodies seem to be mixed up. It could be that a large number of bodies needed to be disposed of quickly."

It is thought that the site also contained a medieval rubbish pit as broken pottery and animal bones have been discovered.

The site is being cleared after plans to build seven new flats, including an underground car park, were received by Ipswich Borough Council.

Following a similar proposal in 1990, more than 50 bodies were discovered from the site.