?Parishioner and Pauper Burials from St James Westminster (1695–1790): ?Excavations at Marshall Street, London W1, 2008–9

In the 17th to 18th centuries, additional burial areas for St James Westminster were excavated due to population growth. The lower ground, upper ground, workhouse complex, and workhouse burial ground were opened, with 2553 burials recorded. Intra-site comparisons revealed demographic and health profiles, with a higher proportion of adult females in the workhouse population and a low number of childhood deaths. Osteological analysis of 1786 skeletons showed a wide range of conditions, with higher overall rates of pathological bone conditions in the workhouse burials. This evidence helps place the lives of the urban poor and destitute in the wider context of the 17th and 18th centuries.

Format: Hardback
Length: 201 pages
Publication date: 10 November 2022
Publisher: Museum of London Archaeology

In the 17th and 18th centuries, additional burial areas for the parish of St James Westminster were excavated to address the growing population and pressure on burial space. As the northern part of the parish, around Soho, expanded, the demand for burial space increased, particularly for the less fortunate members of society. To address this, the lower ground (the early extramural burial ground, 1695-1733), the upper ground (the later extramural burial ground, 1733-90), and the new workhouse complex (1725-1913) were opened in succession. Additionally, the workhouse burial ground (1733-93) was established.

These burial areas were used intensively, with a total of 2553 burials recorded. Intra-site comparisons exploring demographic and health profiles revealed interesting findings. The workhouse population had a higher proportion of adult females, suggesting that women may have been more vulnerable or marginalized in society. Conversely, the extramural grounds had a disproportionately low number of childhood deaths, indicating better conditions for children or improved healthcare.

Full osteological analysis of 1786 skeletons from these three burial areas further shed light on the conditions afflicting the buried population. The results showed higher overall rates of pathological bone conditions, including infectious disease and trauma, in the workhouse burials when compared to the extramural grounds. This suggests that the workhouse population faced more health challenges and poorer living conditions compared to their counterparts in the extramural areas.

In addition to historical and archaeological evidence, these findings from the burial grounds help place the lives of the urban poor and destitute within the wider context of the 17th and 18th centuries. The excavation and analysis of these burial areas provide valuable insights into the social, economic, and health conditions of the time, shedding light on the experiences of the less fortunate members of society.

Weight: 1100g
Dimension: 215 x 305 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781907586521