Skeleton find halts work on Bishopthorpe Palace revamp

WORK on the redevelopment of Bishopthorpe Palace had to be halted, after excavators discovered a human skeleton in the grounds.

The human bones, believed to be medieval, were found away from any other remains during routine work at the official residence of the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu.

Archaeologists are now investigating the site and conducting further research, but work resumed on the site as soon as the skeleton was removed.

The Archbishop's spokesman Arun Arora said: "During the re-development work at Bishopthorpe Palace, a human skeleton was discovered in the grounds on the afternoon of Wednesday, April 18.

"Field Archaeologist Specialists were already on site as part of the re-development work. Initial estimates suggest the skeleton, which was found in a shallow grave 50cm (20 ins) below topsoil, dates from the medieval period, possibly 14th century. These estimates have been based on the burial rite used, the evidence of a cloth burial shroud and bronze pin as well as the wooden coffin.

"No other remains have been found, suggesting this burial occurred in isolation.

"Having discovered the skeleton, the Home Office was informed under standard procedures and a licence was issued by the Department of Constitutional Affairs allowing for the removal of the remains.

"Field archaeologist specialists are conducting further work in relation to the remains and will discuss their findings with the council's chief archaeologist and the Archbishop in due course."

The palace is currently undergoing a major revamp of its living and office accommodation.

The Church Commissioners, who manage the Church of England's historic assets, also want to ensure the palace meets disability access guidelines.

Andrew Brown, Church Commissioners' secretary, told The Press last year: "Our plans are aimed at providing a modern and appropriate base for the ministry of the current Archbishop and his successors. No major work has been carried out at Bishopthorpe Palace for 30 years. The accommodation for the Archbishop needs to be reordered to provide privacy for him and his family, and it is intended to bring back into productive use areas of the building that have been previously disused."

The earliest parts of the Palace date back to about 1250 with extensions added in about 1480, 1650, 1769 and 1835.

(Gavin Aitchinson, York Press - 24 April 2007)