Spitalfields Charnel House

Remarkable relic of old Spital Fields. Free to look at.
Jul 13th, 2021

May 18th, 2020

This Medieval human remains bone store revealed with the demolition of the non-Listed section of Spitalfields Market in 1999. Remarkably an untampered Roman era stone sarcophagus was uncovered with the remains of a woman. A sensitively arranged site and very well maintained. Standing on the glass panes staring directly into the residue of 2000 years beneath your feet, a reminder of the impermanence of our surroundings. ...No single thing abides; but all things flow Fragment to fragment clings the things thus grow Until we know and name them. By degrees They melt, and are no more the things we know. Lucretius (99-55 BCE)
Feb 2nd, 2019

Nov 19th, 2018

The Spitelfields Charnel House is an in-situ archaeological site. The site visible to the public is underground and glass covered at the pavement level, with a flight of stairs (and elevator for the disabled) down to the lower level for a closer look. The site used to be part of the Augustin Priori and Hospital of St Mary. The area of display used to be the lower level of the church housing the crypt. I think the bones have all been taken away because they're now in the exhibition. In truth there isn't much to see, but it's always fascinating to see archaeology in-situ. There's several plaques on the site giving information about the crypt and former church (as well as needless philosophy).
May 5th, 2018