Archaeologists Find Mass Grave Dating Back to Black Death at Famed Tourist Spot
Archaeologists excavating a famous tourist location have uncovered 20 skeletons belonging to people they believe perished during the Black Death, The New York Post reported.
The dig was conducted this past spring underneath the Tower of London and headed by Historic Royal Palaces (HRP), an organization which oversees the iconic tourist attraction.
“As a final resting place for many who lived or were imprisoned within the Tower’s walls—including three queens and two Catholic saints—[the church] undoubtedly has a few stories to tell. But much of its earlier history remains unknown,” HRP said in a statement. “Now, finds from the most significant excavation at the Tower in a generation are beginning to shed light on both the development of its chapel and some of the people connected with it.”
The skeletons, which date back to the 14th century, were recovered ahead of a renovation to the Church of St. Peter ad Vincula, which was erected in the 15th century. Scientists believe the mass grave was “possibly linked to the Black Death,” serving as a burial site for those afflicted by the disease.
Also discovered during the excavation not far from the mass grave were additional coffins which researchers believe belonged to “high-status” members of the society. “Three skeletons from the late 12th or early 13th century were also uncovered,” the statement explained. “These individuals appeared to have been buried in coffins—an unusual practice at the time, possibly indicating high-status burials.”
The statement concluded: “This is just the tip of the iceberg—there is so much more to learn through further analysis about the people, as well as the buildings. One separate burial contained two 12th- to early 13th-century pots filled with charcoal—exceptionally rare examples of medieval grave goods previously recorded only once in England. These finds will now undergo further scientific analysis. These finds will now undergo further scientific analysis.”
Archaeologists Find Mass Grave Dating Back to Black Death at Famed Tourist Spot first appeared on Men's Journal on Jul 26, 2025
