Post-medieval London cemeteries

A summary of information on human skeletal remains held at London Museum from burial sites dating from 1547 to 1852.

Weathered stone sculpture of a human head with wavy hair, lying on its side against a plain white background.

A carved limestone head of a woman.

In British archaeology, the post-medieval period typically covers the mid-16th to mid-19th centuries. It was a period of immense change, seeing the massive growth of cities and industrialisation, the establishment of the British empire and huge population growth.

London was the focus of these changes, becoming the largest city in Britain. It also suffered the Great Fire (1666) and Great Plague (1665), as well as numerous infectious disease epidemics in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Post-medieval burial practices

Written sources show that during this period, people from across the globe came to London, reflecting trade networks, and the power and reach of the British empire.

In London, only Christian and non-Conformist burial grounds have been excavated, with individuals interred in single burials, usually without any grave goods.

In contrast to the medieval period, social status is more clearly visible – from the choice of burial ground to coffin furniture. Primary sources and the preservation of coffin-plates also mean that we know the identities of many excavated individuals.

Post-medieval period cemetery summaries

Sites from other time periods