Undated human remains at Joyce Frankland Close (EHER 49671)

Human remains identified at a very shallow depth during a watching brief in 2021. It was the primary deposition as the feet were in anatomical position and partially articulated.

2021. Post-excavation assessment. Human remains identified at a very shallow depth. It was the primary deposition as the feet were in anatomical position and partially articulated. Angle of the feet was north-north-west - 95% of remains had been machined out during groundworks. A significant number of disturbed bones were found on the spoil heap. These were postcranial in nature. Based on the position of the feet, the body had been in a supine position and an extended position, with feet about 10cm apart. It was lying on a layer of sharp flint grit that was very distinct from the mixed, sand-rich soil lying above and around it. The body appeared to be lying at an odd angle. As much as could be defined from what was left, the lower legs appeared to be angled down a gentle slope, with the feet above the level of the upper body. There were no further remains within the 2x2m area cleared at the same depth – no evident grave cuts coming through, and the groundsworker reported no prior finds – suggesting that this is an isolated burial – or that associated remains have been cleared out with previous groundwork. <1>