A classic study - and one I'm sure comes to everyone's mind - is the
excavation
of the crypt of Spitalfields church. Church records recorded age, occupation,
religion, cause of death, gender and other information. The archaeology and
osteological studies proceeded without reference to the historical records,
which were only brought into play as a test on the veracity and robustness of
the methods of analysis. It's fascinating stuff -- creepy excavation though.

Publications include:

Reeve, J., and Adams, M (1993) The Spitalfields Project vol. 1 - The
Archaeology. Brit. Council Arch. Research Report 85

Molleson, T. and Cox, M. (1993) The Spitalfields Project vol.2 - The
Anthropology. Brit. Council. Arch. Research Report 86

Cox, M. (1996) Life and Death in Spitalfields 1700-1850.

Maureen Basedow



>===== Original Message From HISTORICAL ARCHAEOLOGY <[log in to unmask]> =====
>We should all know about particular osteological markers indicating certain
>stresses and which can be construed to indicate repetative motion or
>perhaps even occupation, but have good examples of such characteristics not
>only been found but also proofed through historical records?  It is one
>thing to infer from the evidence, but how lucky have we been to be able to
>identify name, occupation, and then attribute the osteological evidence?
>
>For example ...
>
>Has anyone excavated the burial of a person known to be a printer and found
>the distended or even injured shoulder or arm from pulling the press levers
>for years ...
>
>Has anyone excavated the burial of a known river bateau poleman and found
>the deformed shoulder caused by years of pushing the pole?
>
>or along the same lines ...
>
>Has anyone excavated the burial of a person known to have died in a mill
>accident, house fire, or crime and scientifically described the injuries as
>seen on the bones?
>
>I suspect that this kind of finding happens often with military burials,
>but how about every day Joes?
>
>Just curious ...
>
>        Dan W.