Tower of London mystery as archaeologists unearth 50 human bodies from ‘rushed' burials in ‘biggest dig' in 4 decades

The Sun

16-07-2025

ARCHAEOLOGISTS have uncovered the remains of up to 50 people in the Tower of London.
Historians believe that many of bodies were likely to be those of victims of the Black Death.
Built in the 11th century, the Tower of London is widely regarded as one of Britain's most iconic landmarks.
Originally the formidable fortress of William the Conqueror, the location has a nearly thousand-year history.
Over the centuries, it has served as a royal palace, a prison, an armoury, a treasury, and even a zoo.
A major excavation project is currently underway near the Chapel Royal of St. Peter and Vincula, a corner of the grounds near the White Tower.
The dig is part of preparatory works to install a lift to improve accessibility to the chapel.
However, during the dig on the oldest part of the complex, a major discovery was made behind an unsuspecting plywood door.
The project, which is the biggest excavation done at the castle in 40 years, uncovered dozens of bodies within the foundations laid down over many centuries.
Up to 50 bodies uncovered
Historians believe the bones belong to ordinary people who lived and worked at the Tower, rather than the Lords and Ladies who once inhabited it.
Alfred Hawkins, curator of historic buildings at Historic Royal Palaces, described the project as "hugely important".
'At the palace we have evidence for what Henry VIII did and what Edward I did — but what we don't know about is people who were living, working, worshipping, and dying at the Tower," he told The Times.
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The site is also the final resting place of famous figures throughout British history, including Thomas More, Anne Boleyn, and Catherine Howard, all of whom were executed on Henry VIII's orders.
Recent excavation works have explored some three and a half metres underground, revealing parts of the castle that date to the 12th century and the Tower's beginnings.
'It is literally a generational opportunity. Historic Royal Palaces (HRP) have never done an excavation like this and we won't do it again,' Hawkins added.
He clarified that the HRP was running the dig with Pre-Construct Archaeology, an independent firm, with advice from Historic England.
A test dig was carried out six years ago, uncovering two bodies but now there are said to be at least 25 burials in the area running the width of the chapel.
Now, the remains of as many as 50 people are believed to have been uncovered.
Despite the Tower's infamous history with brutal deaths, including the beheadings of Anne Boleyn, Catherine Howard, and Lady Jane Grey, it appears these bodies did not have a violent end.
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Victims of the Black Plague
Historians believe that some of the bodies may have been early victims of the plague.
They cited how the burials appear to have been 'rushed' and estimate they date from the 14th century.
This would mean the burials occurred before Edward III implemented strict rules regarding the handling of the plague dead.
DNA testing will show if they died from the Black Death, which reached London in 1348.
Caused by the bubonic plague, the was spread by fleas carried by rats and had a devastating impact on the city.
Within months, the Black Death killed up to half of London's population.
Graveyards were overwhelmed and basic city services collapsed as a result.
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Other bodies unearthed in the dig appear to have been treated more carefully, with one of the discoveries including grave goods in the form of jars akin to incense burners.
These were filled with charcoal, which was a custom derived from Norman Europe.
According to experts, this may indicate a member of the ruling class or a foreign traveller.
Two Tudor bodies were uncovered in the vicinity in 2019, including a woman, aged between 35 and 50, whose burial in a coffin suggested high status.
This theory has been backed by isotopic analysis that suggests she had a good diet.
Her remains were found alongside those of a boy of about 13, who appears to have been born outside London and was unwell.
Archaeologists have also discovered stained and painted glass, sewing needles, a pendant, a ring, and four cannon balls at the site.
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