Posted on 05/06/2005 12:30:38 AM PDT by nickcarraway
ABOUT 200 skeletons dating as far back as 1200 years have been unearthed.
The foundations of a medieval church and graveyard have also been found by Historic Scotland near Tantallon Castle, by North Berwick.
Archaeologists were called in earlier this year when human remains were found during ploughing at Auldhame farm.
Some of the graves are believed to be medieval, but others could date from the time of St Baldred, who lived in the eighth century.
The saint founded a monastery at nearby Tyninghame and lived as a hermit on Bass Rock in the Firth of Forth before his death in 756AD.
Historic Scotland said some of the earlier burials might provide evidence of links between Auldhame and St Baldred. It is believed that the team could uncover structures dating from the time of the saint.
Patrick Ashmore, principal inspector of ancient monuments at Historic Scotland, said the discoveries would prove crucial to understanding East Lothian's past.
Biddy Simpson, East Lothian council archaeologist, who is involved at the site, stressed the significance of the finds.
She said: "This is an extraordinary multi-period site in an area already known to be rich in archaeological remains and connected by tantalising historical associations with the legend of St Baldred." John Gooder, senior project officer with AOC Archaeology, which is carrying out the Auldhame excavation work for Historic Scotland, said: "The excavation provides an exciting addition to East Lothian's rich heritage. The area we are working on overlooks the Bass Rock and appears to have been a focal point for many centuries for worship and burial in the medieval period, but perhaps also for a prehistoric settlement."
The foundations of the early chapel uncovered on the site show signs of several phases including a mortar-bonded structure, which could possibly be a mausoleum. The date of the earliest settlement at Auldhame is unknown, but the discovery of a prehistoric round cairn and Iron Age burials nearby suggest the area was occupied from at least the Bronze Age.
And was the odor of sanctity detected?
Not sure about what ordors may have accompanied this unearthing. My Q was probably more of a theoretical nature. As I mentioned, I am in agreement with archeological exploration. I merely posed the Q as to when the line is drawn, either chronoligically, legally or (dare I say it) morally as to when it is appropriate to open graves and examine the contents.
Hey, its not my field of expertise; I think its a Q worthy of pursuit. But thats just me. Thanks. Oh, and by the way, some news in regards to the Elian raid lawsuits has just surfaced - maybe of interest to you.
When I lived in Tidewater Virginia, some university began to dig up a site where British soldiers were buried from the Battles around Yorktown.
They got a letter from the British Embassy asking them to stop as it was a graveyard of their soldiers.
Exactly what I am referring to. It can be a sticky desion. I am just wondering what the parameters would be in deciding when to dig and when to honor the grave.
I have no answers.
It even bothers me a little to see mummies which are several thousand years old being treated cavalierly.
Not opposed to studying them, but the passage of time does not change the fact that their remains should be treated respectfully.
I am a volunteer on the above project at Auldhame and I can assure you that the first priorty when dealing with these remains is respect. I can understand sentiment but as a "local" from the area the sense of history and knowledge gained is fantastic. Very little is known about St Baldred and the history of this area. When the skeletons are removed they will be sent for analysis and will be able to establish ages cause of death etc. The skeletons will then be returned and reburied on site or in Holy ground. It is also fair to say that there was not a lot of respect for the bodies after burial anyway as the mjority of graves are cross cut and this was a common theme at this stage of history, The majority of the work is identifying disarticulated bone form the skeleton you are working on due to this crosscutting !!!! see
http://www.spoilheap.co.uk/ states
At the Norman Conquest (1066 onwards), clearance of large areas of towns for building of castles often involved covering Saxon graveyards and demolition of churches. The Farmer's Avenue cemetery in Norwich was partially disturbed by the Castle ditches. At Blackgate, Newcastle, a cemetery was partially buried beneath the castle motte. At Raunds, a new church was built and there was clearance of the cemetery, including smashing of stone coffins and memorials, and reburial of bodies in charnel pits.
and also
In the 12th century there was a change in belief from the Day of Judgement to Purgatory, and this seems to have affected the way in which bodies were treated. There tends to be less respect for older graves in the later medieval period, although this could also have occurred due to the demand for space and the lack of any grave markers. At Whithorn, the lack of space was compensated for by several reorganisations of the churchyard, with levelling occurring perhaps once every 20-30 years.
Thought you'd find this interesting
Glad to hear that you are treating them respectfully.
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Note: this topic is from May 6, 2005. Thanks nickcarraway. |
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