Latest news with #excavation


New York Times
a day ago
- Politics
- New York Times
Corrections: July 19, 2025
An article on Wednesday about an excavation in Ireland where the remains of hundreds of children are thought to have been buried described incorrectly the location of some disposed bodies. It was an old sewage system, not septic tanks. The headline of an article on Friday about an N.Y.P.D. officer accused of theft incorrectly described his employment status. He is still employed by the department, but has been suspended without pay. An article on Thursday about the Chinese A.I. industry misquoted Jia Haojun, the founder of Deep Principle. He said it would be a huge benefit if the government helped cover '13 to 15 percent' of early-stage research costs, not '10 to 15 percent.' Errors are corrected during the press run whenever possible, so some errors noted here may not have appeared in all editions. To contact the newsroom regarding correction requests, please email nytnews@ To share feedback, please visit Comments on opinion articles may be emailed to letters@ For newspaper delivery questions: 1-800-NYTIMES (1-800-698-4637) or email customercare@
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Science
- Yahoo
Tower of London dig unveils possible links to Black Death
The first major excavation at the Tower of London in 30 years has uncovered what experts believe could be a Black Death burial site, hidden for centuries beneath the chapel where Anne Boleyn is buried. Archaeologists have found the remains of at least 20 individuals beneath the Chapel of St Peter Ad Vincula, including a collection of burials from the 14th century in what could have been a mass grave. Wiping out around three million people, out of an estimated six million in England at the time, the Black Death swept the country in the 14th century. Alfred Hawkins, curator of historic buildings at Historic Royal Palaces (HRP), which manages the Tower of London, described the findings as a 'generational opportunity to enhance our understanding of the evolution of the Chapel of Saint Peter ad Vincula and the buildings which stood before it'. Some of the remains, from the 12th and 13th centuries were buried in coffins, which HRP says may indicate 'high-status' burials. Alongside the coffins, a fragment of a burial shroud was found, an exceptionally rare discovery as textiles often do not survive in such conditions. Two further burial sites have also been discovered that contain 13th century charcoal pots, similar artefacts have only been found once before at an archaeological site elsewhere in England. The dig also unearthed signs of three successive chapels constructed on the site, with evidence of fire damage, medieval stonework, and rare artefacts dating back to the reign of Henry I in the 12th century. Carried out ahead of the installation of a new lift to improve accessibility to the chapel, the excavation was approved and monitored by Historic England. Dr Katie Faillace, an archaeologist based at Cardiff University's School of History, said: 'The new excavations provide the opportunity to transform our understanding of the Tower's community. 'Our work uses a biomolecular technique known as isotope analysis, which tells us about health, diet and mobility in the past, all from a tiny fragment of a tooth. 'This cutting-edge method has unparalleled potential for reconstructing the experiences of the people who lived and died at the Tower, allowing us to build a rich picture of individuals' lives.' The dig is the first major one of its kind on this specific part of the Tower, and enables a redrawing of the map of the medieval fortress which attracts almost three million visitors a year. Dr Jane Sidell, principal inspector of ancient monuments at Historic England, welcomed the findings. She said: 'Together we've struck a balance between creating lift access to a fascinating part of the Tower of London, with the complexity of carefully managing a hugely significant and archaeologically rich site.' She added: 'We're already gaining insight into the residents of the Tower in a way we have never been able to do before. 'But this is just the tip of the iceberg – there is so much more to learn through further analysis about the people as well as the buildings of one of England's most evocative historic monuments.' Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.


Telegraph
6 days ago
- Science
- Telegraph
Tower of London dig unveils possible links to Black Death
The first major excavation at the Tower of London in 30 years has uncovered what experts believe could be a Black Death burial site, hidden for centuries beneath the chapel where Anne Boleyn is buried. Archaeologists have found the remains of at least 20 individuals beneath the Chapel of St Peter Ad Vincula, including a collection of burials from the 14th century in what could have been a mass grave. Wiping out around three million people, out of an estimated six million in England at the time, the Black Death swept the country in the 14th century. Alfred Hawkins, curator of historic buildings at Historic Royal Palaces (HRP), which manages the Tower of London, described the findings as a 'generational opportunity to enhance our understanding of the evolution of the Chapel of Saint Peter ad Vincula and the buildings which stood before it'. Some of the remains, from the 12th and 13th centuries were buried in coffins, which HRP says may indicate 'high-status' burials. Alongside the coffins, a fragment of a burial shroud was found, an exceptionally rare discovery as textiles often do not survive in such conditions. Two further burial sites have also been discovered that contain 13th century charcoal pots, similar artefacts have only been found once before at an archaeological site elsewhere in England. The dig also unearthed signs of three successive chapels constructed on the site, with evidence of fire damage, medieval stonework, and rare artefacts dating back to the reign of Henry I in the 12th century. Carried out ahead of the installation of a new lift to improve accessibility to the chapel, the excavation was approved and monitored by Historic England. Dr Katie Faillace, an archaeologist based at Cardiff University's School of History, said: 'The new excavations provide the opportunity to transform our understanding of the Tower's community. 'Our work uses a biomolecular technique known as isotope analysis, which tells us about health, diet and mobility in the past, all from a tiny fragment of a tooth. 'This cutting-edge method has unparalleled potential for reconstructing the experiences of the people who lived and died at the Tower, allowing us to build a rich picture of individuals' lives.' The dig is the first major one of its kind on this specific part of the Tower, and enables a redrawing of the map of the medieval fortress which attracts almost three million visitors a year. Dr Jane Sidell, principal inspector of ancient monuments at Historic England, welcomed the findings. She said: 'Together we've struck a balance between creating lift access to a fascinating part of the Tower of London, with the complexity of carefully managing a hugely significant and archaeologically rich site.' She added: 'We're already gaining insight into the residents of the Tower in a way we have never been able to do before. 'But this is just the tip of the iceberg – there is so much more to learn through further analysis about the people as well as the buildings of one of England's most evocative historic monuments.'

Irish Times
6 days ago
- General
- Irish Times
St MacDara's Island annual fishermen pilgrimage
Family members of children believed to be buried at the former mother and baby institution in Tuam have spoken to the media ahead of the excavation of the site.

Irish Times
6 days ago
- General
- Irish Times
Catherine Connolly confirms 'torturous' decision to run for president
Family members of children believed to be buried at the former mother and baby institution in Tuam have spoken to the media ahead of the excavation of the site.