| Abstract: |
Archaeology South-East, the contracting division of the Centre for Applied Archaeology at the Institute of Archaeology UCL was commissioned by Crowther Overton-Hart, on behalf of their client, the Duchy of Lancaster, to undertake an archaeological excavation at Queen's Chapel of the Savoy, Savoy Street, City of Westminster (Fig. 1, NGR: TQ 3058 8074) in advance of redevelopment of the site. A total of 612 burials were recovered from the cemetery, which was active from 1552- to 1853. The skeletons were in a good state of preservation and as a result, the assessment has successfully recorded age, sex and gross pathology for a large proportion of the population as well as highlighted a number of areas for further research. The prolonged use of the cemetery has resulted in a high level of truncation, and a significant number of incomplete burials. Other features associated with the cemetery include three heavily truncated tombs and several charnel pits. Small truncated areas of paths and retaining wall were also recorded within the archaeological sequence. No structural remains or features relating to the 13th to 14th century Savoy Palace or the 16th century hospital were uncovered on site. However, these earlier phases of activity on the site are reflected in the finds assemblage, which includes coffin furniture, post-medieval pottery, ceramic building material, geological material, clay pipe, coins, glass, animal bone, insect remains and wood. Unfortunately, the majority of the finds were recovered from general cemetery soil deposits or indistinguishable grave fills. However, some finds categories, for example the dress accessories, may be linked to specific individuals. |
