Bedlam Skeletons found in an old cemetery that served as an overflow site for the Londoners many centuries ago were the subject of 60 archaeologists' work for the next coming weeks.
Nearly 3,000 Bedlam Skeletons found were unearthed from the Bedlam burial ground in London that houses over 20,000 dead Londoners. It is believed that the deceased died during the English Civil War, the Great Fire of London and the Great Plague that took place in 1665.
CNN reported that researchers revealed that those skeletons were the site where most bodies were buried when most cemeteries become full. They also believed that for some religious and political reasons, their families may have chosen them to be buried there. Some may not be able to afford a proper burial.
The almost 3,000 Bedlam Skeletons found were discovered after the London's Liverpool Street station started its reconstruction.
It is part of a £14.8 billion ($22 billion) project of the Crossrail, a new east-west train line in London. For this set up, the engineers need to dig about 130 feet (40 meters) below the ground, Live Science reported.
What's more surprising discovery while the work is being done, the team discovered an important slice of history. They have crossed the medieval marsh, the Roman road and the Bedlam cemetery where the 3,000 Bedlam Skeletons found.
The Bedlam Skeletons found will now be the focus of studies. Researchers are now looking on these new found remains on how they actually lived from the 16th to the 18th centuries, and information on the shocking plague that killed some of them, according to the NBC News.
Nick Elsden, project manager from Museum of London Archaeology stated that the Bedlam Skeletons found will reveal abundant of information on the diseases, sexes and ages of the deceased. It will also provide information on how Romans lived in the city and their lifestyles.
The Bedlam Skeletons found come at the right time as this year signifies the 350th Great Plague in London anniversary. The 400-year plague disturbed the city and the people's lives until 1665.
The Bedlam Skeletons found will be subjected to studies by scientists for some time until they have arrived with answers. They will be transferred and finally laid to rest at the Canvey Island in Thames Estuary in Essex, BBC News cited.
Some of the notable people buried in the Bedlam cemetery include political activists John Lilburne, Robert Lockyer and Ambrose Nicholas, the Lord Mayor of London in 1575 according to the parish records.
Bedlam cemetery derived its name from a nearby hospital for the mentally-ill, Bethlem Royal Hospital.
The Bedlam Skeletons found were considered as a rare treasure for the archaeologists. Their discovery revealed part of the London history. In fact, the team has already excavated the remains of a moated Tudor manor house, Roman horseshoes, bison and mammoth bones, and medieval ice skates.
