Archaeologists to scientifically examine pre-1914 burials in Blackburn graveyard used until 1947
This article originally appeared on Culture24.
Excavation of pre-World War I cemetery gives archaeologists chance to understand life in Lancashire almost 200 years ago
A link road development along Freckleton Street, in Blackburn, has led archaeologists to a 19th century church graveyard© Alexander P Kapp, geograph.org.ukChurch records from the Diocese are informing investigations within the grounds of the old St Peter’s Church in Freckleton, where a £1 million project will create a new link road as part of the town’s Orbital Route.
“This is a rare example of a graveyard closely associated with Blackburn’s 19th and early 20th century industrial heritage,” says Eddie Bailey, the Project Manager for Headland Archaeology.
“We’ve got a unique opportunity here to find out more about the lives and deaths of those who lived and worked in 19th century Blackburn, and hope to see evidence of their day to day life reflected in their bones.“
Any bodies excavated from the cemetery, which was used until 1947, will be relocated from the zone of impact of the new road project.
Any burials post-dating 1914 will be relocated immediately, with bodies buried before 1914 retained for examination before being reinterred next year. Bailey believes the remains will allow conclusions to be drawn about diet, common illnesses and any injuries suffered.
The Diocese intends to carry out a small service at a memorial garden placed either side of the road where the graveyard is displaced. Round-the-clock security services have also been introduced at the site, where archaeological work is expected to continue until mid-October.
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Three museums to discover Lancashire history in
Rochdale Pioneers Museum
Current exhibition From Shop Floor to Front Line explores the impact the war had on co-operative members and employees. Until May 31 2016.
Bury Art Museum
Miss Openshaw’s Scrapbook, the current exhibition, is inspired by a scrapbook compiled by Hilda Openshaw, whose family once lived in Bury. The book is a snapshot into the volunteering work of the sister’s drama group during the Great War. Until August 29 2015.
Lancashire Infantry Museum, Preston
One of the largest military collections in the north-west, covering the history of the county’s three infantry regiments, from the raising of Lord Castleton’s Regiment of Foot in 1689 through several amalgamations that have resulted in the creation of the current Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment.
