92 skeletons unearthed at medieval church in Oxford

Ninety-two human skeletons have been found on the site of a medieval church in Oxford.

The find near the Kassam Stadium came to light following a planning application
 for a new hotel [Credit: John Moore Heritage Services]

Archaeologists made the discovery near the Kassam Stadium after a valuation was carried out as part of a planning application for a new hotel.

Paul Murray, from John Moore Heritage Services, described the discovery of the burials as "amazing".

A woman, perhaps thought to be a witch, was found buried in a face down position 
[Credit: John Moore Heritage Services]

The derelict Priory pub is the only building that remains of a nunnery founded on the site in 1110AD.

Whilst its location was known to experts, the full extent of its contents is only now becoming clear.

Another woman, likely to be a prioress, was discovered in a limestone coffin 
[Credit: John Moore Heritage Services]

A series of "very unusual burials" were found at the site, including a woman found in a face down position, another who was a victim of blunt force trauma to the back of the head, and a stillborn child.

"It's unusual for someone so young to be buried within the church," Mr Murray said. "And sometimes women found in prone positions are considered to be witches. Another possibility is that she sinned during her life and to atone for her sins she requested to be buried face down."

The derelict Priory pub is the only building that remains of a nunnery founded 
on the site [Credit: John Moore Heritage Services]

Isotope analysis is taking place at Reading University to determine more about the diets and lifestyles of the people buried in the church.

The bodies will eventually be reburied on consecrated ground.

Littlemore Priory was closed by Cardinal Wolsey in 1525 and turned into a farmhouse.

Source: BBC News Website [May 13, 2015]